Marimekko has denied claims it copied another fabric design. Yle reported on Wednesday that a bag purchased in Barcelona strongly resembled the Hetkiä/Moments fabric. The bag’s owner claimed it was purchased in 2001, three years before Hetkiä/Moments was released by Marimekko.
The designer concerned, Maija Louekari, says that her design was most likely copied by others. In a Marimekko release, she published sketches and photos of Helsinki streets that she says inspired her work.
“I have come across this bag myself, after my design was in the Marimekko selection, and wondered about the similarities,” Louekari was quoted as saying.
She says that the fabric was inspired by Helsinki street scenes, in particular the junction of Fabiankatu and Pohjois Esplanadi.