We can't believe we missed the Marimekko exhibit at IIT this summer, but think this 2003 book might serve as a good substitute. It vividly presents the history of the Marimekko Corporation:

Founded in 1951 by visionary textile designer Armi Ratia and her husband, Viljo, the Marimekko Corporation in Finland not only sparked a revolution in pattern making but also pioneered a new definition of fashion that embraced the entire home environment. This book—the first comprehensive study of Marimekko designs—presents more than one hundred examples of the exuberant Marimekko fashions and home furnishings that gave the company a definitive presence on the world design stage.

We found the book at FinnStyle for $60, then spotted it on Amazon for $37.80.

Oh, and if you made it to the IIT exhibit, please tell us about it!