Marianne Aav (1952–2011)

It's not often that Scandinavian fashion is a popular topic, so I was pleasantly surprised to find this book about the design firm Marimekko. I've always been charmed by the graphic simplicity of their prints (a stark contrast to the decadent designs by Pucci, another favourite), even though it be totally out of character for me to wear them. Stiff cottons, simplistic/undesigned lines, and primary colour focus are just not for me. I do rather appreciate the design aesthetic though, and I was show more pleased to find the pages of this book rife with colourful patterns of all types. That being said, I quickly grew bored with the accompanying essays (too many indistinguishable names and repetitive themes) and wished that there was a complete range of Marimekko patterns provided instead. show less