Wearable Art: Petra Börner x Marimekko is a Collaboration in Joy

If you love bold prints, joyful colours, and the kind of design that makes everyday life a little more artful, you’re probably already familiar with Marimekko. And if you haven’t yet fallen for London-based Swedish artist Petra Börner’s dynamic, nature-inspired artwork, trust us – you’re about to!

This March, the Finnish lifestyle brand unveils the latest edition of its Marimekko Artist Series, featuring a vibrant capsule collection in collaboration with Petra. The collection transforms the Swedish artist’s signature fluid lines and abstract florals into a range of ready-to-wear fashion, accessories, and home décor. Just because we all need a little extra joy in our wardrobes and spaces!

Petra’s an award-winning artist who’s spent over 20 years building her artistic universe, known for its expressive lines, movement, and an irresistible sense of play. Her work taps into her Swedish heritage and often explores nature’s wild rhythms, making her a perfect match for Marimekko, a brand with its own deep-rooted love for organic forms and bold, unconventional beauty.

“Collaborating with Petra Börner feels natural,” says Marimekko’s Creative Director, Rebekka Bay. “Her abstract florals perfectly align with our joyful, optimistic philosophy.”

Petra’s eight original artworks burst to life in a palette of Tigerlily orange, spearmint green, and soft blues, wrapped around beautifully cut silhouettes and timeless home essentials. Marimekko’s in-house textile printing expertise brought Petra’s vision to life by employing halftone techniques and layered screens. Even the details are handcrafted – Petra carved the Oiva Vildmo serving platter pattern herself, extending her artistic touch beyond textiles.

True to Marimekko’s values, the collection embraces thoughtful material choices. The ready-to-wear items use organic cotton and European flax linen – the striking Anemonet and Antra dresses in Eldfamn print are made from 65% organic cotton and 35% European flax linen. Marimekko also works to keep fabric waste to a minimum, using the full width of fabric to create unique, zero-waste designs – a technique used in a number of other Marimekko Marimini dresses. Over in the home textile range, organic and recycled cotton take centre stage, from the 100% organic cotton fabrics printed in Marimekko’s Helsinki factory to the recycled cotton Pistilla-patterned cushion cover and the Vildstjälk-patterned throw made from 100% organic cotton.

This is just one part of Marimekko’s bigger commitment to sustainability – the brand’s continuously innovating in its production processes, from using responsibly sourced materials to ensuring ethical supply chains – all in the name of creating artful, lasting design that doesn’t cost the earth. They aim to “create new classics – high-quality products that stand the test of time and follow the principles of circular economy.”

Petra joins the ranks of previous Marimekko Artist Series collaborators like Virginie Hucher, Landon Metz, and Sabine Finkenauer. The Petra Börner x Marimekko collection launches globally this March – which means now’s your chance to add a little Swedish artistry and Finnish design magic into your world!