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Beauty & Fashion
> Designer Wear
Timeless Bohemian Allure: Italy’s Consuelo Castiglioni
It would be unfair to label Consuelo Castiglioni’s designs as mere
hippy fashions for the modern era. They are so much more! Classic
Bohemian garb paired with contemporary flair promise a wardrobe
that is both romantic and wearable. Her label, Marni, is
chock-full of designs that women and men can wear comfortably in
any situation; stand-out clothing that has all the hallmarks of
style without many of the hallmarks of fashion that is mere
novelty—clothing that is more costume than apparel for real
people.
Born in Italy in 1959, Castiglioni seems to have come to the
fashion world by chance; by, in fact, her husband’s family who
supplied fur pelts to the likes of Fendi and Prada. When the
anti-fur movement struck in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the
company was in some straits, so Conseulo, who had not previously
been involved with fashion, brought a fresh perspective to the
table. In 1993 Castiglioni designed her first collection—a fur
collection she called Marni. She presented it the Milan press,
however, with little fanfare. Nevertheless, despite an inattentive
audience, the novice designer persevered.
1999 was Castiglioni’s shining year. A splendid “Delux Hippy”
collection showcased dresses of crushed velvet with tye-dye
designs, patchwork skirts and colorful fur jackets. Not only did
this launch Marni to great heights, the small firm split from the
family to become its own full-fledged fashion house. At the
present, Castiglioni’s designs are still going strong and while
she’s dabbled with men’s wear in the past, she’s now designing
full collections for the fellas too.
Castiglioni also has special collections of exquisite handbags,
boho jewelry and other accessories that have carved a name for
themselves as much as her clothes have.
Part of what makes Castiglioni’s beautiful clothes so romantic is
the choice of fabric: cashmere, fur and silk for example. Of
course, it is her nod to the past, her use of revamped styles from
Bohemian eras that make her so appealing to fashionistas today.
Simply put, her style appeals to young women who want to dress in
pretty, feminine clothing that is flowing, soft to the skin and,
oh yes—sexy in a guise of enchantment.
In the near future look for Marni designs to evoke a more
folk-like look. Expect colors such as plum and peach, turquoise
and rose. The designer’s use of comfortable, yet contrasting
fabrics and whimsy nostalgic designs will keep her fans more than
satisfied. Some of Castiglioni’s work ranges from jewelry—her
trademark necklaces—shawls, fur jackets, skirts, blouses, dresses
and more. Her clothes are available in finer department stores as
well as the house’s own boutiques.
http://www.marni.com/ -
Online Store
http://www.marni-international.com/ - Lists Stores and
Collections
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