The buzz: Joining the hodgepodge of boutiques and malls vying for space within the shopping orgy that is Causeway Bay is Finnish textile and clothing design brand Marimekko—a welcome breath of fresh air among the plethora of regular cookie-cutter, buy-wear-toss Hong Kong stores. Founded in 1951 with stores in over 40 countries today, Marimekko is known for its fun, flirty colors and prints as well as its preference for the timeless over the trendy.
The goods: The women’s apparel is loose and comfy-looking with strong lines and even bolder colors—if you’re typically color-shy, you’ll be pleased to note that the bursts of brightness are tempered by simple patterns, making the items classic and classy—the opposite of garish or over-the-top. Shirts and ties are in stock for the gents, and they’ve got a kids’ line, too. Besides clothing and accessories, Marimekko also does textiles and products for the home—think cute aprons, minimalist kitchenware and sundry stationery items.
The décor: Sticking to a palette of white, brown and bright butter yellow, with minimal décor sans a sprinkling of artsy prints, the focus is on the products, which are displayed neatly in rows upon rows of shelves.
By Leanne Mirandilla