Marni

Summary

Marni is an Italian luxury fashion house celebrated for its bold, artistic vision and unconventional approach to design. Founded in 1994 by Consuelo Castiglioni, the brand is known for its eclectic aesthetic, vibrant prints, and fearless use of color, which seamlessly blend playful creativity with high fashion. Marni’s innovative silhouettes and experimental use of materials have established it as a favorite for those seeking individuality and self-expression. Beyond its distinctive ready-to-wear collections, the brand also offers standout accessories and footwear, all crafted with exceptional attention to detail. In 2012 Marni was acquired by OTB Group owned by Italian entrepreneur Renzo Rosso. Today Marni continues to redefine contemporary fashion with its unique balance of avant-garde artistry and refined elegance.

History

Founded in Milan in 1994 by Swiss fashion designer Consuelo Castiglioni in collaboration with her business partner and husband Gianni Castiglioni Marni has become internationally renowned for its experimental collections. Per BoF: “Consuelo Castiglioni won praise for her sophisticated and forward-thinking designs that boasted a cult global following and admiration from influential industry insiders. Despite no formal education in fashion design, her sharp silhouettes with its bold prints and textures made her one of the most creative designers in Fashion.”

Initially a side business of the Castiglioni’s fur business the label became independent of the family business in 1999 and Consuelo Castiglioni developed a fashion-forward experimental design aesthetic. While fur continued to feature in Marni collections the brand was widely popular for its original prints designed in alliance with artists such as photographer Richard Prince, pop artist Sir Peter Blake and musician Kim Gordon. In 2000 the brand expanded into key markets and opened near hundred standalone stores and luxury department stores. During this time Marni forayed into e-retail with the launch of an online store which not only offered e-commerce but also presented the world of Marni through dedicated sections on its artistic collaborations and key projects.

In 2012 Consuelo Castiglioni inked a creative collaboration with H&M and the result was a sellout capsule collection. Although Marni remained a family owned business for over fifteen years… in 2012 it was acquired by Renzo Rosso’s OTB Group whose brands include Diesel- Maison Margiela- Viktor and Rolf- Paula Cademartor-, Staff International and Brave Kid. “It’s the natural completion to the road embarked upon with the acquisition of the brand founded twenty years ago by Consuelo and Gianni Castiglioni” he stated.

Here on.. Marni adopted its parent company’s sustainability initiatives. The OTB Group Sustainability Report 2022 brings together all projects and initiatives that contribute to the further responsible development of the company preserving the environmental and social ecosystems in the coming years. The Group Sustainability Strategy “Be Responsible. Be Brave” reflects OTB’s commitment to the environment, product sustainability and people. The Report records the Group’s carbon footprint for 2020-22 and its continuous monitoring to achieve the Net Zero target in internal operations by 2030.

In October 2016 Consuelo Castiglioni stepped down from Marni. That year the company appointed Francesco Risso– alumnus of FIT New York and Central St. Martins London and former designer at Prada- as Creative Director. Per Harvey Nichols’ portal he said, “I’m driven by a concept I call ‘retrovolution’ — taking everything you have learned in the past.. all the traditions.. and moving beyond by challenging it. Routes have no borders and every collection is an exercise in bringing thoughts and ideas to life through form. Marni has always been recognised for its bold patterns and upbeat silhouettes but ultimately we want to create a synthesis of colour and shape.”

In 2018 Stefano Biondo was appointed CEO. However, there was a change of guard at Marni. Stephano Biondo exited the company and its parent group OTB and was succeeded by Barbara Calo who at that time held the title of General Manager. Calò joined Marni in 2016 as Global Omni-Channel Director and in her new position reported to OTB CEO Ubaldo Minelli. She was later promoted to CEO.

Structural changes notwithstanding… Marni continues to be bold experimental and fashion forward. Per Vogue- for Fall Winter RTW 2023: “Going back to the love he feels for his metier keeps him grounded… For the Marni creative director clothes are living creatures.. they touch, breath, move; it’s a love dance, a sentimental relationship…”

Vision

Luxury fashion brand Marni’s vision can be described as a playful creative approach to textiles- prints and colors. The core team believes that fashion should be fun and in sync with global trends. Per OTB: “Marni is a state of mind.. a playful spirit.. with a history of friendly humanist values combined with an experimental approach to materials and colors as well as a unique flair for mixing prints and shapes.”

Determined to stand out through its distinctive use of colour, materials and volumes, the Marni style is now in a league of its own. Its success is all in the detail, with creative prints and patchworks of materials that surprise us with each new collection, giving them a discreetly eccentric feel. And its popularity continues. In a digital age of fast fashion and fleeting trends, the Marni style endures from season to season, through timeless pieces with bold designs and noble materials, to be worn in our day-to-day lives instead of flaunted on social media.

Mission Statement

Marni’s mission, under the creative direction of Francesco Risso, is to embody a unique aesthetic paradigm that merges quirky elegance with avant-garde sensibilities. The brand strives to explore a wide range of possibilities, using fashion as a canvas to push the boundaries of traditional design. This mission is rooted in an artistic exploration that challenges norms and celebrates individuality, allowing Marni to stand out as a bold voice in the ever-evolving world of high fashion.

At its core, Marni seeks to create a lifestyle brand that fosters a deep and ongoing dialogue with the world of art. This connection allows the brand to continually redefine its identity, drawing inspiration from diverse artistic movements and expressions. By doing so, Marni does not simply design clothing, but rather, crafts a narrative where art and fashion intertwine, offering customers the chance to engage with their personal style on a more profound and expressive level.

Marni’s commitment to maintaining a forward-thinking, avant-garde attitude is key to its mission. The brand aspires to remain at the cutting edge of fashion while staying true to its ethos of creativity, innovation, and exploration. Whether through bold patterns, unexpected silhouettes, or artistic collaborations, Marni continues to cultivate an aesthetic that resonates with those seeking individuality, all while preserving its core values of craftsmanship and artistic integrity.

Products and Services

Marni, as a luxury fashion brand, is renowned for its bold and eclectic range of ready-to-wear collections for men, women, and children. Each collection reflects the brand’s distinctive aesthetic, offering a diverse selection of clothing that combines avant-garde design with quirky elegance. From statement coats and dresses to tailored menswear and playful kids’ fashion, Marni’s ready-to-wear line is marked by its signature use of bold prints, experimental silhouettes, and unique color combinations that challenge conventional fashion norms.

In addition to its clothing lines, Marni offers a wide variety of accessories, including handbags, shoes, and eyewear. The brand’s handbags range from structured totes to whimsical, artistic designs, while its shoes balance creativity and functionality, featuring anything from classic boots to artistic sandals. Marni’s accessories, including jewelry and eyewear, are designed to complement its ready-to-wear collections, often featuring bold geometric shapes, intricate details, and striking prints that make them instantly recognizable as Marni pieces.

Expanding beyond fashion, Marni has also ventured into the world of homeware. Reflecting the same design ethos seen in its clothing and accessories, Marni’s home collection includes furniture, decor, and textiles that bring its playful, artistic aesthetic into interior spaces. Whether it’s a statement piece of furniture or a vibrant decorative item, Marni’s homeware line allows customers to extend the brand’s avant-garde vision into their living environments, merging high fashion with modern lifestyle.

Awards and Recognition

Marni is an Italian luxury fashion brand renowned for its eclectic, avant-garde approach to design, characterized by bold prints, artistic patterns, and a fearless use of color. Founded in 1994 by Consuelo Castiglioni, the brand gained a cult following for its innovative silhouettes, unconventional materials, and a unique ability to blend playfulness with sophistication. Marni is celebrated for pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion, creating collections that appeal to those seeking individuality and expressive style. From its statement accessories to its distinctive ready-to-wear pieces, Marni remains a global symbol of creativity, modernity, and refined craftsmanship.

Key Team

• Barbara Calò, CEO
• Francesco Risso, Creative Director

References

• Official website Marni
• Marni Fall Winter 2023 RTW Vogue
• Facebook account of Marni Facebook
• OTB Group Sustainability OTB
• LinkedIn account of Marni LinkedIn
• Renzo Rosso’s OTB Group acquires 100 percent of Marni Fashion United
• Francesco Risso talks art, ecology and leading one of Italy’s most eclectic labels Harvey Nichols
• Marni’s Consuelo Castiglioni The New York Times
• Twitter account of Marni Twitter
• Marni CEO Exits Brand WWD
• Instagram account of Marni Instagram
• All change at Marni The New York Times
• Marni’s Francesco Risso on fostering a global community in a time of crisis Vogue
• Marni X Uniqlo Vogue
• Youtube channel of Marni Youtube
• Marni Services Marni
• Wiki page of Marni Wikipedia
• Marni designer Francesco Risso on older models, being a nerd and wearing two pairs of trousers The Guardian
• Profile of Marni Creative Director Fransisco Risso BoF
• Diesel founder buys Marni stake Reuters