Since being discovered by the legendary Pat McGrath in 2015, Paloma Elsesser has taken the world by storm with her unmatched runway energy and advocacy for diversity in the fashion and modeling industries. She's also added the role of designer to her repertoire. First came a deal with Ganni, now Marni's Creative Director Francesco Risso steps up to the plate.
The two friends have created a capsule collection together for Marni Jam, the brand's "multidisciplinary program for creative exchanges" co-created by Risso and Los Angeles-based artist Alake Shilling. The exclusive summer edit features vibrant and bodacious pieces reflective of Elsesser's distinct style, like knit tops and bralettes, a whimsical handbag inspired by her go-to hoop earrings and Risso's signature colorful stripes.
The pair's relationship dates back to 2021 when the Model of the Year fearlessly slid into the creative director's DMs to express interest of one day walking in a Marni show. That wish came true when Elsesser appeared in the digital release of Risso's Spring 2021 collection, eventually becoming a runway mainstay for the brand. "Sometimes there can be a heaviness to our industry, and I always look to the family-ship and the humanity of the Marni family as a silver lining," she told Vogue. "I don't care if I don't do any other show. If I only do Marni the rest of my life, I'm happy."
Risso and Elsesser's organic history made their partnership even more fulfilling. "It's always been a dream to work with Paloma because the way we do things at Marni is with a shared opinion, I would say," explained Risso. "So collections kind of build up and people merge into our world, and it got to a point in which I wanted to get deeper than that. Paloma was on top of the list because she is one of our most leading characters, but also a protester. She embodies her body in the most beautiful way, and to me it's all so inspiring. I wanted to learn from P, as I always do."
Similar to her collaboration with Ganni, Elsesser accomplished her goal of ensuring that fashion produces size-inclusive pieces with just as much attention and consideration as any other category. Thus, Marni has expanded its sizing range to an EU 56 (around a 40 to 42 in U.S.). The collaboration is now available to shop on the brand's website.
