In lieu of commemorating Finland’s 100th anniversary, Finnish design house Marimekko teamed up with modern Italian bacaro Equilibrium to bring us a specially curated lunch and dinner menu inspired by Finnish delicacies and flavours.
On the night of its first launch, the stage was set at Equilibrium when local stars showed up clad in vibrant Marimekko garments. Though they were all brandishing the same themed choice of modish textiles by the print-centric brand, each of them still managed to flaunt their own sense of personal style (See: Zoe Tay pulling off rocker chic in a geometric high neck vs Huang BiRen’s psychedelic choice of a quirky sunshine yellow number). Such is the authentic universal appeal of Marimekko.
Living up to Marimekko’s mantra of bringing colour into ordinary life, the design house lent its touch of exuberance and splendour to the restaurant by decorating the interiors and table settings with its unique choice of colourful prints, accessories and tableware from the Marimekko Home Fall/Winter 17’ Collection. Guess even the decor is not one to have its thunder stolen by the biggest celebs of the industry.
Michelle Chong dazzles in a fluorescent field of pink poppy flowers – a modern reinterpretation of Unikko, Marimekko’s signature print. She paired the high neck boxy-sleeved blouse with a figure flattering high-waisted skirt in black to add polished sensibilities to the loud playfulness of her outfit.
Zoe Tay exudes an air of class and elegance in a soft mohair and wool blend pullover with dropped sleeves and a cowl collar. She matches the modish Sahalaita Raita print with a satin black headband for an effortless ‘70s tomboy rocker flair.
Pictured in frame (L-R): Jacelyn Tay, Huang Bi Ren, Pan Ling Ling, Michelle Chong, Cynthia Koh
While Jacelyn Tay and Huang BiRen donned dynamic organic prints evocative of the motifs from the 70s disco era, Pan Ling Ling took on a more contemporary look with a geometric tile printed silk dress. Cynthia Koh, on the other hand, dressed in an eye catching ensemble of zesty cascading honeysuckle florals in the form of a kimono-sleeved blouse and a matching suit skirt.
Pictured in frame (L-R): Michelle Saram, Phyllis Quek, Cynthia Koh, Lynn Poh
The simplest ideas are always the best. Michelle Saram is an advocate of this with her mock neck zinging striped blouse which she teamed together with a classic pair of high waisted wide-legged creased trousers. And while Michelle has got that effortless French-girl vibe going on for her, Lynn Poh was all about the vintage glam. Lynn cleverly matched a posh checkerboard buttoned-up shirt to a magnified version of the same print on her slim fit pants for a refined take on the ‘90s-esque mod print.
The beautiful actress proves to be ageing with grace as she vaunted of youthful radiance in a full-length A-line cut dress with a retro-tinged linear silhouette in the brand’s Sahalaita Raita ‘zig-zagged’ print.
Michelle Chia kept it simple in a lightly flowing loose fit brown tunic in Marimekko’s trademark Simpukka pattern with matching pants to boot. The elegant starlet decided to add a punch to the soft neckline by accessorising with a power piece; a statement necklace. The bullish baubles of gold gave her laid-back look a dash of sophistication – something we can all emulate as well with these top picks of statement necklaces.
Pictured in frame (L-R): Jane Lee, Marimekko Singapore; Tarja Parkkinen, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Finland; Janet Tan
These ladies look nothing short of ravishing in their elegant choices of Marimekko shift dresses while Janet Tan, wife of Nick Naung, opts for a classy navy blue tea dress with ruffle details.
Pictured in frame (L-R): Mr. Nick Naung, General Manager at Finnair; Her Excellency Paula Parviainen, Ambassador, Embassy of Finland in Singapore; Mr. John Ng, Director & General Manager, Sidefame Singapore
Last but not least, Her Excellency Paula Parviainen chose to pull off a simple asymmetrical blouse to go with a lovely statement necklace while Mr John Ng and Mr Nick Naung looked debonair in their suits.