Marni Fall 2011: She's a Lady - Fashionista

Marni Fall 2011: She's a Lady

MILAN--Consuelo Castiglioni designs wearable clothes for a woman who likes things a bit off kilter. If there's a plaid, it's hand-drawn. Earrings? Oversize buttons. Fur? Pink and green, please. This season, Castiglioni brought quite a ladylike element to her wares, using fur gloves, peter pan collars, and a few of those molded, mid-century couture shapes that we've seen so often this season. Her shoes--mostly platform Mary Janes--looked fresh yet familiar. And that's what makes Marni so special. Castiglioni's pieces are so retro yet so quirky that they don't really ever date.
Author:
Updated:
Original:

MILAN--Consuelo Castiglioni designs wearable clothes for a woman who likes things a bit off kilter. If there's a plaid, it's hand-drawn. Earrings? Oversize buttons. Fur? Pink and green, please.

This season, Castiglioni brought quite a ladylike element to her wares, using fur gloves, peter pan collars, and a few of those molded, mid-century couture shapes that we've seen so often this season. Her shoes--mostly platform Mary Janes--looked fresh yet familiar. And that's what makes Marni so special. Castiglioni's pieces are so retro yet so quirky that they don't really ever date.

**Photos by Imaxtree.

Related Stories

Style

Prada Fall 2011: Strange Brilliance

MILAN--The Prada show began an hour late. (Apparently there was a problem with the models; several were replaced at the last minute, according to a catwalker in my hotel elevator.) But for the first time in my life, I brought a book to a runway show, so I honestly didn’t notice how long it was taking until Leah texted me, saying, “Has it really not started yet?” But really, who cares how long it took? All frustrations were put aside when Miuccia Prada sent out her first look: A black coat dress with a blush fur collar, topped with an aviator cap.

Style

Fendi Fall 2011: Karl's Quirky Lady

MILAN--The Fendi show this morning wasn't exactly pretty, but it wasn't ugly, either. Although Karl Lagerfeld would never be so common as to name Grey Gardens as a reference, it did feel something like "Edie Beale goes to Rome."

Style

Marni Fall 2012: Streamlined and Graphic

While everyone has been busy drooling over Marni for H&M's quirky prints, designer Marni Consuelo Castiglioni had a more streamlined and graphic vibe in mind for her Fall 2012 collection. The first look to come out--a bright red cape coat, paired with pale blue trousers and a blouse with a black collar--set the tone for the sharp-lined and boldly colorful show. Next came a series of dresses and coats, which followed the same aesthetic: Dresses were colorblocked and graphic, and the outerwear was belted at the waist and neck, and all were adorned with ample square pockets. One of our favorite looks was a skirt and shirt combo, which had a modern, geometric print in an intrinsically Marni palette of blush, black and brown.

Style

Versace Fall 2011: Slick Maximalism

MILAN--Today, a friend asked me if I was a Versace girl. I said, "Well, I'm more of a Versus girl," because I'd essentially cut off my pinky toe for anything Christopher Kane has designed. But then I remembered, while I probably wouldn't wear one of Donatella Versace's wool day dresses--such as the black shift with a curvy road of blue snakeskin traveling up the front--I'd sacrifice quite a bit to score one of those evening dresses. If I was January Jones, or anyone who took frequent walks down the red carpet, I would most definitely want to be in Versace. That's not to say those day dresses aren't perfect for a certain person. For the lady who considers herself a tasteful maximalist, Versace has created the ultimate wardrobe. I was particularly drawn to the navy leather dress coat, featuring a pleated skirt and adorned with burgundy leather buttons. And the black jumper, with a purple and yellow tulip climbing up the front. Oh, and the blue and green suede shirt dress accessorized with a green fur collar. (Okay, I changed my mind. Maybe I wouldn't mind owning just one daytime piece....)