Saturday Green x Petra Kaksonen introduce a new collection of colourful throws for summer

Inspired by our favorite day of the week, US-based Saturday Green is proud to introduce a new collection of unique throws that are designed in collaboration with a small group of innovative female artists.

Luxurious in weight and feel, Saturday Green throws are knit from a blend of recycled cotton yarn (upcycled from fabric clippings discarded during the cut-and-sew process) – and made in the U.S.A.

A new collection by Vancouver-based designer, Petra Kaksonen is inspired by the simplicity and functionality of Scandinavian design. Petra's designs reflect the bold patterns surrounding her during her childhood in Finland combined with a passion for the textiles of Asia and Africa. Her colorful, minimalist patterns are perfect complements for modern homes and coastal decor.

Petra's in2green outdoor collection of coordinating throws and pillows are knit from 100% percent Recycled Polyester yarn, made exclusively from 78+ plastic bottles.

Shop the collection HERE

Pillow Décor to offer new line of Japandi style pillows by designer Petra Kaksonen

Finnish designer, Petra Kaksonen, has been turning heads in recent years with her colorful, contemporary patterns that have been showing up on everything from pillows and rugs to bags and bedding. Now, in collaboration with Pillow Décor, Petra is making her mark with a new line of Japandi-inspired throw pillows that she calls the Boketto Collection.

For those still unfamiliar with the term, Japandi refers to the increasingly popular fusion of Nordic hygge and Japanese Wabi-sabi design. It is a fusion that takes the common Scandinavian and Japanese appreciation of simplicity, nature, and the beauty of imperfection, and reflects them with a design aesthetic in often subtle but unique ways.

Printed on a soft, light gray felt fabric, the Boketto Pillow Collection features bold, minimalist patterns that are uncomplicated and easy to incorporate into a wide range of decorating styles. Like the Japanese word Boketto, which loosely translates as ’the act of losing oneself in a distant gaze’, Petra has created patterns that soften and relax the eyes.

“Having lived in Japan and grown up in Finland, nature has always played an important part in my designs – finding beauty in simplicity and enhancing our everyday life and rituals. I often work with paper, creating cutout collages that I use as the basis for my designs. I love playing with color and scale, leaving room for surprises,” explains Petra.

“For the Boketto Collection, we wanted to create pillows that bring warmth, comfort and cheerful Nordic elegance to any space – from tiny cabins to family rooms and larger gathering spaces,” adds Petra.

Petra Kaksonen is one of several designers featured on PillowDecor.com. Pillow Décor supports independent artists and designers, helping them manufacture unique throw pillows that can be marketed to both retail and wholesale buyers. Petra’s Boketto Pillow Collection features four unique designs in four colors and can be viewed and purchased online at PillowDecor.com or PetraKaksonen.com

About Petra Kaksonen

Vancouver-based designer, Petra Kaksonen, has more than 20 years of graphic design and art direction experience, working with clients in North America and Europe and Asia. Inspired by the simplicity and functionality of Nordic design, Petra designs colorful, minimalist art prints, patterns, and products for modern homes and spaces. Read more at PetraKaksonen.com

About Pillow Decor Ltd. Pillow Decor is a manufacturer, retailer and wholesaler of decorative throw pillows. Pillow Decor’s website, pillowdecor.com, offers consumers a large selection of quality throw pillows in a wide range of colors, styles and designs. Pillow Decor’s wholesale division supplies pillows to the retail, hospitality, promotional and special event markets. Pillow Decor’s head office is located at #101-196 West 3rd Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Y1E9, Canada.

Marimekko at 70: marching to its own beat

If you grew up in Finland, chances are that at some point during your childhood you might have worn stripy, polkadot assemble from Marimekko? Maybe in some rather unusual colour combination (hello, brown/orange/dark green), yes? Or maybe you had bold Unikko (poppy) patterned curtains adorning your living room? Or perhaps you drank your morning coffee/tea/milk from a colourful Marimekko mug? Most of us Finns are loyal fans of our beloved Marimekko and are still holding on to our favourite dresses and shirts passed from generations to the next. And there lies the Marimekko magic: timeless design to celebrate and elevate the every day.

For those of us living abroad, I still get excited when I see someone wearing Marimekko. We exchange a knowing smile, perhaps even a few words. A wink. There's a certain recognition: you too belong to a special tribe. You walk differently when you wear Marimekko: a head held high you glide proudly wearing your loudest patterned dress and people won't help but think: 'who is SHE'?

Armi Ratia, the woman behind Marimekko.

For 70 years, Marimekko has stayed true to its vision of celebrating a beautiful and joyful life everyday.

Marimekko 'freed' women from the tight, restrictive dresses of the 50's and brought playfulness and fun -- hello pockets! - to women's fashion.

Armi Ratia, a visionary leader

Marimekko was founded in 1951 by Viljo and Armi Ratia, after the Viljo's oil-cloth factory project failed and was converted to a garment plant. Armi asked some artist friends to apply their graphic designs to textiles. Most notable being Finnish design icons of Vuokko Nurmesniemi and Maija Isola. The two designers created hundreds of distinctive patterns and helped to make Marimekko a household name across the world. Many of the patterns are still in production today; most notably, Isola's famous Unikko pattern.

To this day, Marimekko has stayed true to its core value of creating a bold, creative life and celebrating the every day. Marimekko has always been an experimental risk taker – marching to its own beat. Today many of the company's leadership positions are filled with women who are showing the way to the next generation of Marimekko lovers around the world partnering with likes of Nike, Uniqlo and Target. Kudos to Marimekko for fearlessly marching forward and "boldly following their internal beacon".

Turning 70, is a mighty achievement – Armi would be proud.

Here's to another 70!

#marimekko #finnishdesign #fashion #patterns #armiratia #prints #unikko

Source and images: Wikipedia marimekko.com