Marimekko is now taking its bold colours and patterns into China.

The first Marimekko store in China opened at Taikoo Li South, Sanlitun in Beijing. It was followed by a second store opened at the recently established IAPM Mall in Shanghai.

Since opening in Hong Kong last year, the brand has quickly established its presence and built a distinctive brand image with its unique design.

Marimekko says it will continue to expand its operations in China and intends to open 12 stores and shops-in-shops by the end of 2016.

Founded in 1951 by Armi Ratia, Marimekko designs and manufactures interior decoration items ranging from furnishing fabrics to tableware as well as clothing, bags and other accessories.

The company is renowned for its art of print making: pattern designs and fabric printing. Around 1.5 million meters of fabric is printed at the Marimekko House in Helsinki every year. Marimekko is rooted in pattern design, with a number of designers introducing new patterns quarterly. Generally, one pattern takes around one year from the concept development to production of final product.