Banking on Indian people’s fascination for bold and vibrant colours, and inspired by the economic growth achieved by the country, Finland’s leading textile and clothing design firm Merimekko is eagerly eyeing penetration in the Indian market.

After meeting success in the Japanese and Chinese markets, the brand, which is all about bright and bold colours and designs, and inspirational and quality lifestyle, is keen to present itself before the Indian audience.

Merimekko, which is a household name in Finland, is planning to increase its global visibility as a unique design brand, promoting original prints. It launched its first Hong Kong outlet this year, and plans to add 13 more stores in China.

Launched in 1951, Merimekko earned a unique identity through its printed fabrics incorporating bold and bright designs.

It earned international recognition when Jacqueline Kennedy bought eight Merimekko dresses that she wore during John F. Kennedy's US presidential campaign in 1960.

The firm made its first foray in the fashion industry in 1964 with its iconic Unikko or poppy print pattern.

It again gained wide-ranging publicity during the 1990s, when a character of popular series “Sex and the City” donned a Merimekko bikini.

Besides designing apparels for men, women and children, the brand also provides interior decoration solutions – ranging right from furnishing fabrics to bags and accessories.

According to the company’s website, with over 90 outlets in 12 countries, including Japan and China, the brand’s overall sales for 2011 came to around ？170 million, while the company’s net sales came to around ？77 million.