Marni

Marni was established in Milan in 1994 by designer Consuelo Castiglioni as a platform for her eclectic vision. Over two decades Marni expanded into men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, accessories and fragrance, while opening boutiques that double as experimental art spaces. In 2015 the Castiglioni family sold a majority stake to OTB Group, and creative director Francesco Risso now steers the brand’s aesthetic. The label’s offbeat sensibility continues to resonate through pieces like oversized coats, clashing prints and sculptural jewellery.

The label works across ready-to-wear, accessories, fragrance, and jewellery. Recurring signatures include prints. Creative direction is currently led by Meryll Rogge. Known for combining prints, textures and colours in unexpected ways, the brand offered an alternative to minimalist fashion dominant at the time. Early collections featured fur, quirky silhouettes and handcrafted embellishments, which attracted a cult following among fashion insiders. Marni’s commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and its willingness to collaborate with artists and independent designers have kept it at the forefront of fashion discourse.

Marni’s philosophy celebrates individuality and experimentalism. Rather than adhering to seasonal trends, the brand encourages wearers to mix prints, shapes and textures to create personal narratives. Consuelo Castiglioni viewed fashion as an art form with an unpredictable visual language, and this perspective endures. Marni’s collections often juxtapose vintage references with modern materials, resulting in garments that feel both nostalgic and avant-garde. Through this eclectic approach, the house aims to empower individuals to express their eccentricities with confidence.

Craftsmanship and collaboration underpin Marni’s ethos. It partners with artisans to produce hand-woven bags, jewellery and textiles, ensuring each piece has a unique character. By embracing imperfection, creativity and cross-disciplinary dialogue, Marni positions itself as a dynamic platform where fashion, art and individuality converge. Narrative and cultural reference operate here as structuring devices rather than decorative afterthoughts. Dress is used to test how identity or role can be recast through styling, cut or bodily presentation.