Finnish designer Sami Ruotsalainen has had a long career at Marimekko, where he currently works as a Senior Designer.
In 2009, he was commissioned to design the Oiva tableware series, which has now become a Marimekko classic and the blank canvas for its prints and colours in the hard product category.
Ruotsalainen has also collaborated closely with other glassware designers and works with print designers to translate their designs into an array of products.
“It really is a collaborative process between designers, technicians, product developers and the amazingly skilled employees at our textile printing factory to bring the amazing vision of our talented print designers to life,” he said.
“A crucial part is to find a good balance between the original pattern and the product shape so that they complement each other.”
Sami Ruotsalainen
According to Ruotsalainen, prints have always played a central role in Marimekko collections, most commonly in the form of printed textiles but also in varied other expressions, such as 3D shapes or embroidery.
He said he found the happy contradiction between heritage and innovation in Marimekko’s designs to be quite interesting and loved the opportunity to demonstrate how timelessness can feel extremely relevant through distinct choices.
One of Ruotsalainen’s personal favourites was the Syksy glassware series, designed by Matti Klenell.
He mentioned that the glassware had a patterned surface inspired by Nordic autumn rain, from a gentle drizzle to powerful, drenching downpours, giving the glassware a tactile feel. It was also hand-engraved to create a distinctive surface.
“What is essential for us at Marimekko is that our designs can be enjoyed in everyday life, meaning that they are both beautiful and practical and can stand the test of time, both in terms of design but also longevity,” he said.
The Fall 2025 collection from Marimekko explores the ever-evolving nature of flowers and the shift from late-summer blossoms to early signs of fall.
The brand has continued to evolve shades from the previous collection, this time ripened by the sun and slowly shifting toward early signs of fall, where the fading beauty of florals in decay has become a central theme.
For Ruotsalainen, the Oiva 1.5 L bowl with Eija Hirvi’s Tiara print was a standout new way to present pattern on ceramics. The Marimekko team worked with Hirvi to compose the print around the bowl by attaching pieces of paper to its surface, resulting in a beautiful placement that reflects nature’s stubbornness.
Another favourite item from the Fall 2025 collection for Ruotsalainen was the wool blanket in burnt orange with Fujiwo Ishimoto’s Valkea Yö pattern.
Marimekko’s design philosophy has always been based on timeless, functional and high-quality products that give people long-lasting joy.
In addition to timeless aesthetics, the durability of materials has been an essential part of the equation.
Material choices play an important role from different perspectives, such as environmental and social, and Ruotsalainen was excited to test different options and learn more about how their characteristics could fit them into new collections.
Looking ahead, he hoped that owning a piece of Marimekko design would bring joy and optimism to people.
