Marni

It’s not easy as a young designer to make a mark at a well-established label, but this hasn’t been an issue for Francesco Risso. He became creative director at Marni in 2016, and has turned out to be the best possible choice to carry on the sterling work of Consuelo Castiglioni, the label’s founder. This Spring, the All too human exhibition at the Tate Britain inspires forties-style arty prints and super-feminine looks. The accessories range still features brand staples the Trunk and the Pannier, but it also has plenty of new pieces. From the Punch to the Monile, there’s a new kid in town at Marni and he’s all about the updates. Expect more of the same in upcoming seasons.

In 1994, Consuelo Castiglioni and her husband Gianni launched the Marni brand as a sister company of Ciwifur, fur company of the Castiglioni family. From the first collections, the creative director’s vision was convincing. After a few years presenting one collection only (fall-winter), the brand extended its business to spring-summer, leaving fur out. Beyond their colorful and unconventional aesthetics, prints are original creations of the brand, the Marni pieces imagined by Consuelo Castiglioni have one main goal: to be comfortable. This motto inspired the designer for the thick platform sole sandals Fussbett, which have become a great success.

Success confirmed in 2012, when the Italian label was selected to collaborate on a capsule collection with H&M which quickly ran out of stock. The same year, the so far independent brand was acquired by the OTB Group, headed by Renzo Rosso.

Four years later, in October 2016, after over twenty years spent expressing her vision, Consuelo Castiglioni left the company. Francesco Risso succeeded her.

Even though his name may not sound familiar, Francesco Risso is an experienced fashion designer. Appointed Creative Director at Marni in October 2016, he has worked for some of the most renowned brands. He graduated from Polimoda Milan, New York Fashion Institute of Technology and London Central Saint Martins, then worked for several major labels such as Ana Molinari, Alessandro Dell'Acqua and Malo before joining Prada in 2008.