Vuokko. 2017.
Vuokko.
Jokapoika shirt for men and women.
Vuokko in her home.
Vuokko 2017.
Vuokko Shop, Helsinki 2017. Photo: Janis Kravis.
Vuokko Eskolin Nurmesniemi is one of the original Marimekko designers. She is responsible for many textile designs such as the Røtti pattern, 1954 and the Piccolo and Ristipiccolo textiles from 1953, which were used in 1956 in the Jokapoika shirt, which is still going strong. Vuokko has designed over 300 colourways for “the uniform for the creative professionals” who have adopted the shirt. In addition to textile designs, Vuokko also created many dress designs. One of the more popular is the artist’s smock, Iloinen Takki dress from 1960, with many pockets all over the place.
Armi wearing a Jokapoika shirt.
A while after Vuokko left Marimekko, she opened her own shop of textiles and dresses. Vuokkos vision of design incorporates simplicity and does away with the superfluous: fewer seams and strong colours. She began using zippers and velcro long before they were popular. She feels strongly about using natural fibres in her textiles. She draws a strong distinction between design and fashion.
Vuokko shop, Helsinki 2017. Photo: Janis Kravis.
Guntar and I were invited to come for glass of wine to Vuokko's home, which is located a little outside Helsinki. This is the house that Antti and Vuokko designed and built a long time ago. At the time it was a very bold, modern statement and it still is. I am sure that every design magazine and many others have published this house. In addition to the private living and entertainment spaces there is an indoor pool and sauna as well as Antti's Interior Architect's office. We drove back to Helsinki where Vuokko treated us to a delicious dinner at the Maxill restaurant.
Vuokko shop, Helsinki 2017. Antti's sauna stool in window. Photo: Janis Kravis.
