It's Bright and Sunny at the Marimekko at Crate & Barrel on Madison

Today, Marimekko continues its Finnish invasion of New York by opening its second shop-within-a-shop at the Crate & Barrel on Madison Avenue. If you recall, we partied back with the Finns back in October for the unveiling of their first venture at the Soho Crate & Barrel locale and we're also anxiously awaiting the label's flagship to open in the Toy Building this fall.

But back to the Madison Avenue launch, which kicked off morning—thankfully providing a much needed burst of bright, sunshiny color and fresh, crisp flavor to this spirit-dampening, coif-decimating muggy weather. The shop is located on the ground level toward the back right and is a bit smaller than the Soho outpost at a pinch less than 1000 square feet.
Bags, paper napkins and Marimekko for boys, this way>>

Here, Marimekko and Crate & Barrel shoppers will find the classics as well as the most recent designs, which will be continually introduced four times a year. For the crafty and Marimekko-crazed, the shop boasts a well-stocked by-the-yard section, which starts around $43 per yard for basic light textiles ideal for pop-art curtains and bedding whatnot and going up to $65+ for waxed-sheets (perfect for easy-clean tablecloths and messy kids' rooms) and heavier-knit upholstery fabrics.

For those more craft-challenged, there is a plethora of bedding, towels, curtains and even paper napkins in classic designs like the oft-copied poppy, Crate & Barrel exclusive issues (classic prints in special color schemes), and the all-encompassing (i.e. masculine enough for the boys) Ruutukaava graphic print. Bedding starts around $24.95 for a pillow set. An exec dressed in a Marimekko ensemble pointed out that the patterns and graphics are meant to be mixed.

There are also non-householdy items like coin purses ($16 to $18), light totes ($18), fabric-covered notebooks ($20+), whimsical umbrellas ($40), and super adorbs pastille tines ($4 each). For those in search of a fab gift set, check out the Japanese cult-pub Mook combo, featuring a mini-canvas tote and a small zip-pouch,—all for $29. A range of canvas bags in exuberant, color-popping prints are also on tap, starting at $85 for the small purses and ranging up to about $129 for the bright, solid neon yellow or orange messenger bags.