Ready, set, dress! With just a little more time—and a few more vaccines in our arms—we’ll be able to “make it fashion” for real. Come on, who’s ready to switch out those leggings and languid caftans for dreamy floral chiffon, billowing tulle, embroidered bodices, and…
Well, we’ll get there one way or another.
Possibly with a little help from Georgina Chapman, designer and cofounder of Marchesa and Marchesa Notte. And if there are wedding bells in your future, Chapman just debuted a gorgeous capsule with the international, Barcelona, Spain–based luxury bridal house Pronovias.
Besides the recent debut of a SS2021 edition of its fashion jewelry collection, managed by the Jewelry Group, Marchesa has no breaking jewelry news to report. But Chapman tells JCK, “We have been partnered with Macy’s for a number of years with our bridal fine jewelry collection, and we are excited to continue growing this partnership as we come out of lockdowns.”
The designer (and former Project Runway judge) also indulged our curiosity on a few more (mostly jewelry-related) matters…
JCK: Tell us about the arms of your brand that you’re most focused on at the moment.
Georgina Chapman: During the last 12 months, we have been very focused on listening to the consumers to understand what they are looking for from designers during this time. Seeing a huge shift in the wants and needs, we went outside of our norm and launched the new Marchesa Active line. We have also been incorporating more versatility and comfortability into our Marchesa and Marchesa Notte lines.
Are you still designing your own bridal collection, or is the Pronovias collaboration a special one-time thing?
Yes, we are continuing our Marchesa Bridal, Marchesa Notte Bridal, and Marchesa Notte Bridesmaids collections, while the Marchesa for Pronovias collection will also be ongoing. We are very excited for adding this new collaboration to our bridal lineup.
What are the most treasured items in your personal jewelry collection?
My grandmother’s Edwardian engagement ring, for not only sentimental reasons, but it is beautiful! I also love my Marchesa fine jewelry bangles, and I wear them daily. For a statement piece at night, I have a few go-to Marchesa fashion earrings.
Do you consider yourself a jewelry person?
Yes, I love jewelry and take huge inspiration from it all the time. You will often see our jewelry line reflected in our gowns, especially our necklace dresses.
What’s a recent purchase or gift you can tell us about?
I just gifted my mom a gold Marchesa bangle. I also really love the Thief and Heist line [designed by Louis Vuitton artistic director of watches and jewelry Francesca Amfitheatrof]—it is fun jewelry and great for gifting friends.
What is your personal holy grail, as far as future jewelry acquisitions?
I love looking at antique jewelry—wherever I am in the world, I seek out antique stores to find special pieces. I am also particularly loving the new Louis Vuitton fine jewelry line.
Top: Designer and Marchesa cofounder Georgina Chapman in her atelier (photo courtesy of Marchesa)
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