Sidefame, a Hong-Kong headquartered company which operates retail sores in Hong Kong, Macau, China and Singapore, will bring Finland-based Marimekko to Hong Kong and China.

The two companies plan to open 15 stores by the end of 2016.

Sidefame and Marimekko have signed an agreement which gives Sidefame rights to open and operate Marimekko stores in accordance to Marimekko’s visual aspects and local marketing policy.

The first Marimekko store is scheduled to open this year in Hong Kong to be followed by a second store in Shanghai.

Sidefame MD Anthony Keung described Marimekko as much more than a brand.

“It’s about an inspirational and quality lifestyle offering joyfulness and timeless designs. We are very happy to have the opportunity of working together with our partner to introduce this aspiring Finnish lifestyle to our consumers in Hong Kong and China.”

“Sidefame is an excellent partner for us because they have worked with the brands they represent on a long-term basis, they understand Marimekko design and culture, and for some time they’ve had success in selling our products in their Cocktail fashion shops,” said Marimekko’s president and CEO Mika Ihamuotila.

In Asia, the brand – popular for its bright coloured printed fabrics and simple styles – has a presence in South Korea and Japan.

A subsidiary of Fenix Group Holdings, Sidefame represents brands including Milan-based Anteprima, Atsuro Tayama, 45R and Furla.

GB