Miami - December 19, 2006

First Place Finnish

Marimekko Design Boutique

You’ve always been a night owl.

But 51 straight days without a sunrise? You’re a dancing queen, not the princess of darkness.

Reschedule that trip to Finland and shimmy over to Marimekko, an entire boutique (the second in the U.S.) filled with products from Sweden’s underrated hipster neighbor.

Marimekko (for those who’re stuck in the Dark Ages) started out as a textile company in the ’50s and quickly became a fashion icon. In their 21st-century incarnation, they enlist designers to create everything from handbags to place mats. Picture a Finnish Ikea — but more quaint and with more clothes (and a lot less lingonberry jam).

The just-off-Lincoln Road locale sells canvas totes in whimsical patterns, vibrant party dresses, and boldly striped men’s shirts. Everything — yes, even the towels, bed linens, flatware, and pot holders — has that sleek, modern Scandinavian look.

Because when it comes to being design-forward, you wouldn’t want to be kept in the dark.

Marimekko, 1671 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach (305-534-0411 or marimekkomiami.com).