But as I listened to her talking about scarves, she seemed more like a poet to me.

"Finland has a fantastic atmosphere - like a fairyland. The special light adds a magic touch to the scenery: the flowers are strong blues, yellows and reds; the leaves and the grass have the brightest of green colours; the skies and lakes have a special blue colour. After sunset the dawn makes everything dreamlike as the colours drain away," said Marja, speaking at the fashion show for her spring collection in Shanghai.

Natural colours

Marja draws all her inspiration from the environment around her and how it affects her senses. Wandering along city streets or in the countryside, her five senses are always alert.

Rich colours from nature have a strong effect on Marja and colour is the core of a scarf, according to her. "The magnificent changes of nature through the four seasons give us excitement and drama," said Marja. "The range of colours is beyond imagination."

"A scarf with chic colours can make an out-of-date garment look 10 years younger and bring it up to date," said Marja.

The colour of a scarf is even more important than how you wear it for Marja.

"You can wear it around the head, the hair, the neck and over the shoulders. But I think the simpler, the better just like me," said Marja pointing to a red scarf hanging loosely over her shoulders.

Scarf's story

Each Marja Kurki scarf is unique and awarded with an individual name. "Because each scarf has been given a life and a story," said Marja. "The life of every scarf is told through a beautiful and mysterious name that reflects the special design and the thoughtful choice of colours."

The simple processes of Nature are an important focus in fashion as we settle into the third millennium. The scarves and ties in the "Rhythm of Life" collection have soft, harmonious colours such as blue and turquoise. Some are transparent and they all have simplicity of line and pattern. They are inspired by Buddhism, Zen, yoga and other religions where simplicity is the rhythm of life.

The scarf named "Secret Message" made of crinkled chiffon looks graceful and simple. The autumnal yellows, greys and golds of the scarf seem to distract you from the bustle of life.

"I hope to tell people to look for purity and minimalism, to discover simplicity and asceticism, through scant strokes and rich lines that reflect life's organic forms," said Marja.

In the "Joy of Life" collection, the scarves explode in warm colours and dancing patterns. Small flower patterns are featured such as on the one named "Happy Life." Satin chiffon printed with dozens of red flowers seems to have tropical fragrances and a harmony between light and nature.

"I hope women wearing this collection will have the courage to do something new and swim against the current for a change," said Marja.

For those who have classical tastes, there is the "Tenderly Soft Classical" collection.

The classical patterns are inspired by the history of the 14th century's nobility and poems, according to Marja.

But classical does not mean stagnant. Ties in this collection combine classics and new creations. Made of yarn dyed jacquard and printed with regular patterns, they are designed to look elegant on women.

About Marja Kurki

Marja Kurki was born in Finland, the land of a thousand lakes. In 1975, full of strong ideas and confidence, she opened her first business from her living room.

Ten years later her products become the treasure of Finland when Princess Diana was given her first Marja Kurki scarf -- a gift from a Finnish man who received a medal from the Princess for rescuing a drowning man in Hyde Park, London. At that time, Marja Kurki had become a leading fashion brandname in Europe.

During the next few years, Marja Kurki established branches in cities all over the world like Copenhagen, Stockholm, New York, Beijing and also Shanghai.