Haute couture line Marchesa is best known for its unapologetically romantic designs. The dresses tell dreamlike, fantasy stories shrouded in ultra-feminine and whimsical energy. Developed by co-founder and creative director Georgina Chapman, the fairytale pieces have become a red carpet favorite among celebrities and socialites, and they will soon take over the Baptist Health Foundation’s Bolo Bash Luncheon runway.
Soirée spoke with Chapman in an exclusive interview to discuss her new collaboration with Dillard’s, how she approaches the creative process and the importance of giving back.
Tell us about your first experiences with fashion.
GC: Even from a young age I was always very interested in fashion. As a child, I loved to visit the costume department at the Victoria and Albert Museum and spend my time pouring through magazines. During my teenage years, I started experimenting with clothes and creating my own garments. I carried my passion into college when I attended art school to study costume design. The concept of escapism in costume and the historical aspects of fashion has always intrigued me.
How did Marchesa materialize?
GC: Marchesa came about through a mix of passion, hard work and the support from my family I had early on. One of my first major influences was the stylist Isabella Blow, who really believed in our vision. She asked me to create couture pieces for her to wear to Paris Fashion Week. Her advice to focus on evening wear, especially while it wasn’t being widely done, was invaluable. Thanks to her guidance, I honed in on that one skill. I also feel incredibly grateful for Anna Wintour’s mentorship and friendship over the years. Her insight and encouragement have helped me navigate the complexities of the fashion industry.
Marchesa launched in 2004. How has the brand evolved in 20 years?
GC: Reflecting on the past 20 years, evening wear seamlessly led to designing wedding gowns for women. Over time, this expanded in Marchesa Notte and Marchesa Rosa, offering more accessible options for evening and day wear. We also introduced a kids’ couture line and fine jewelry, broadening our collection to a wider range of needs. I am proud that throughout this journey we’ve remained true to the Marchesa DNA by maintaining our commitment to creating timeless pieces that women can cherish and pass down through generations. I’m thrilled about the next chapter and our partnership with Dillard’s for Muse by Marchesa. They’ve been ideal collaborators, sharing our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Offering our designs at a more accessible price point while maintaining the quality is truly exciting.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
GC: I find inspiration can be evoked in me by so many things such as travel, literature and art. It’s different every season depending on what the team and I feel strongly about. Once we have a theme that we like, we start building a story around it.
Tell us about your creative process and how you develop new designs.
GC: I sit down with the team and discuss ideas for each collection. Our designers are all specialized within their area — for example, embroidery and textiles, as well as draping and 3D experimental design — so it is important to listen to the different vantage points. We start with a concept, and then we do a lot of research to build a story together. We collect visual imagery for large-scale mood boards which then accompany us throughout the process from beginning to end.
The exclusive Muse by Marchesa line with Dillard’s launches this month. When did this collaboration process begin, and what’s the inspiration behind it?
GC: We absolutely love working with Dillard’s. It’s been a wonderful journey. The creative process began with a conversation between our team, and it quickly gained momentum. Everyone was eager to create something unique, a collection that stands out while capturing the true essence of Marchesa and our DNA.
As the featured guest speaker of the Bolo Bash Luncheon, why did you want to get involved with the event and its mission?
GC: When Dillard’s presented the idea of collaborating with the Baptist Health Foundation, I was immediately drawn to it. It’s always so fulfilling to merge fashion with a meaningful cause. I have immense respect and gratitude toward our health care workers. Supporting the Baptist Health College Little Rock’s mission to prepare the next generation of health care professionals and nurses is especially meaningful. Being able to contribute to such an important mission while showcasing our designs will be a truly rewarding experience.
Shop the Muse by Marchesa collection at Dillard’s, and see Chapman Oct. 10 at the Bolo Bash Luncheon.
PHOTOGRAPHY
MARCHESA
CLOTHING
MUSE BY MARCHESA, EXCLUSIVE TO DILLARD’S