Who: Georgina Chapman, co-designer of Marchesa with Keren Craig.
The Look: Stunning eveningwear inspired by vintage silhouettes with a modern flair.
The Backstory: Founded in 2004 by best friends Chapman and Craig. The two brits, both 37, met while studying at Chelsea College of Art and Design in London.
Seen On: The red carpet, on stars like Jennifer Lopez, Sienna Miller, Cate Blanchett, Penelope Cruz and Jessica Alba.
PBI: How do your designs capture the spirit of your muse, the late socialite Marchesa Luisa Casati?
CHAPMAN: She was a living work of art and was so daring and dramatic in the way she dressed—an ideal I strive to achieve in each collection. Her outfits often looked more like costumes than clothing. I trained as a costume designer in school, so I create through that lens and adapt for the modern-day woman.
What daily activity influences your collections?
For our recent Spring collection, I was taken by the spirit of India in the 1960s, especially as captured by The Beatles’ White Album and the band’s relationship with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. I utilized a vivid color palette and featured traditional Indian beading and embroidery techniques throughout.
What inspired the pieces in Marchesa Voyage, your new sportswear collection?
We wanted to capture the essence of our brand but at a more accessible price point. … Marchesa Voyage is a glamorous, effortless and seasonless global lifestyle, whether a woman is traveling to a remote island, going to work or running errands on the weekend.
Since you travel extensively, what items can you not leave home without?
My down pillow and Frette pillowcase, and my fragrance, Marchesa Parfum d’Extase because the rollerballs are perfect for traveling. I love to take pictures so I take my Canon. Inspiration can strike at any moment!
How do you balance being a mother and wife with your work?
I am very lucky to have an incredible support system, including my mother, who recently moved to New York to be closer to us. I also have the luxury of bringing [children] India and Dashiell to work with me, as I hate being apart from them. India loves playing with fabrics and beading.
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