Growing up in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the 60s was like no other place on earth. In Harvard Square, there was every kind of fashion statement from hippies to the traditional button-down preppies.

 

But no store created more of a stir for us than the arrival of Design Research, better known as D/R, which introduced us to a world of style and home decor beyond our imagination. Design Research, founded in 1953 by well-known architect, Ben Thompson, brought us modern European furnishings, and in particular, Scandinavian design.

 

With its sleek all-glass windows and “modern” furniture, we saw something that sparked our imagination. I remember coveting the Haitian cotton couch and the Greek flokati rug. The kitchenware included contemporary Swedish designs, and beautiful Georg Jensen cutlery.

 

Consuming at least one floor at DR, was the fabulous collection of Marimekko fabric and clothing. Marimekko fabrics are designed and manufactured in Finland. A “must have” dress of my Cantabridgian friends, young and old, the fabrics were bold prints in psychedelic colors, empire waists and tent styles.  They were expensive, yes, but oh so fashionable.

 

DR disappeared and so did Marimekko but, gratefully, the fabric and fashion company has returned to woo new generations of stylish girls. It will always remind us of our youth and so we invite you to go shopping:

 

https://us.marimekko.com