I am wearing Marni Printed Crepe de Chine Blouse and Alexander McQueen Harem Trousers
Lots of fashion houses have gone through a change of creative directors, there’s nothing surprising or shocking about that. Designers hop from one fashion house to another so often it can be hard to know what brand you’re looking at – Vetements or Balenciaga, Dior or Valentino,Saint Laurent or Anthony Vaccarello. Amidst the global economic crisis, the top priority is to adapt to meet the demand, which can mean putting innovation and creative ideas on the back burner.
Marni has always been different. Being one of the main trendsetters, Consuelo Castiglioni has always led with her own style and stood apart from the mainstream. We loved the Marni approach to comfort and femininity that taught us we can still look elegant and seductive without suffocating in a bodycon dress or stumbling around in five inch heels.
Castiglioni’s Spring/Summer 2017 collection was rumoured to be her last during Milan FashionWeek, and last week it was confirmed that the designer will indeed leave the brand due to personal reasons, stepping away after more than 20 years with the label. Cue the mass fashion mourning.
What is perhaps even more confusing is her replacement: Francesco Risso, who had previously worked for Prada. Perhaps the fashion group that owns Marni – Only The Brave – was inspired by major changes at Gucci after Alessandro Michele’s takeover and decided to bring out their own dark horse. But, as a business move, is it smart? Only time will tell… but what is certain is that Marni without Consuelo Castiglioni will never be the same.
Look by Marni available on www.netaporter.com
