marni

Marni is an Italian luxury fashion house that was founded in 1994 by Swiss designer Consuelo Castiglioni in Milan, Italy. The brand is known for its eclectic style that stands out in the Italian fashion scene, often described as intellectual and avant-garde. Marni's aesthetic is neither similar to its maximalist contemporaries nor a throwback to classic Italian tailoring. Instead, it carves out its own niche with a distinct approach to fashion that is both controlled and calculated.

Since its inception, Marni has exhibited a quality that may seem antiquated within the fast-paced fashion industry: patience. The brand has pursued growth steadily, adding footwear to its collection in 1998 and opening its first store in London in 2000. It wasn't until the Spring 2002 offering that Castiglioni debuted a menswear collection. This patient approach to expansion has paid off, with the brand now boasting around 300 retail doors, focusing on key markets, particularly in Asia.

Marni's menswear business has been a focus in the 2010s, and its new holding company, Only The Brave, which also controls Diesel and Maison Margiela, is placing renewed emphasis on growing the men's business. The brand has enjoyed steady growth over the years and has a cult-like following, though it lacks the name-brand recognition of some of its Italian peers.

In terms of product lines, Marni offers ready-to-wear clothing, fashion accessories, footwear, jewelry, and homewares. The brand has also ventured into children's wear, fragrance, eyewear, and home interior. In 2012, Marni launched a one-off collection for H&M, which included clothes and accessories for both men and women. The campaign for this collaboration was directed by Sofia Coppola and featured model Liu Wen and actress Imogen Poots in Marrakesh.

Marni's approach to design is a celebration of individuality, instinct, and personality, with a sense of feminine pragmatism and borderless artistic invention. The brand's world is spirited, individual, unpredictable, quirky; eccentric, graphic, and rigorous. It's a brand that garners both respect and curiosity, often in equal measure.

In recent developments, Marni entered a licensing agreement with beauty conglomerate Coty for cosmetics and fragrances in February 2024. The first products under this deal are set to launch in 2026, and the contract extends through 2040, marking a new chapter in Marni's history as it continues to evolve and expand its presence in the luxury fashion industry.