Brit-designer Georgina Chapman, co-founder of Marchesa with friend and fellow designer Keren Craig, is a self-made fashion success story, who built a fashion empire from the ground up. Today, a Marchesa gown lends an ethereal touch to every red carpet or high profile wedding it graces. We talk with Georgina in MOJEH Issue 37 about the stylish insiders she has met along her journey from London to L.A.
Who has been a mentor to you and in what way?
My mother – she is my best friend and my sounding board. She has always encouraged me to pursue my passions, which led me to follow my dream of becoming a designer.
Who has most influenced your personal style?
I would say Marchesa Luisa Casati for her daring outlook on fashion.
Which of your designer peers do you most admire?
I admire Keren immensely! Her expertise in textiles and the way she helps bring our designs to life is inspiring.
Georgina Chapman
What has been your most memorable fashion moment together?
Watching Sandra Bullock win an Academy Award in Marchesa was by far one of the most rewarding experiences of our career. My partnership with Keren means everything to me. Our particular specialties in design complement each other perfectly.
What have your years of experience taught you about how to succeed in fashion?
The key to succeeding in the fashion industry is staying true to yourself and your vision for your brand.
To whom would you love to pass your knowledge and expertise on?
I would love to pass on my knowledge to my daughter. She enjoys coming to the showroom to watch me work and she loves to drape fabrics on the mannequins in my office.
Georgina’s wedding in 2007
Isabella Blow advised Keren and me to focus our line on eveningwear. This helped us remarkably to focus our direction and vision for the Marchesa brand.
Georgina Chapman
What advice do you treasure from fashion legend Isabella Blow?
Isabella Blow advised Keren and me to focus our line on eveningwear. This helped us remarkably to focus our direction and vision for the Marchesa brand.
What business decision are you most grateful you made?
I am extremely grateful for expanding our line to bridal in 2010. A wedding dress is perhaps the most significant dress a woman will ever wear, and it is an honour to design gowns for such an important day.
Georgina works on a bridal gown
Which of your bridal clients has touched your emotions the most?
All of our bridal clients mean the world to me. It is an extraordinary experience to be a part of a bride’s special day, so Keren and I take the responsibility quite seriously.
We can find your bridal collection at Esposa in the Middle East. What have you learnt about what makes the perfect bridal gown?
The Marchesa bride is not dictated by trends. She is confident, elegant and bold; drawn to memorable details and unique embellishments. A bridal gown should be timeless, elegant and make a woman feel like the most beautiful version of herself.
