Marchesa
United States
Marchesa is a privately held New York label known for evening gowns, bridal wear and occasion dressing. It was founded in 2004 by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig and is named after the socialite Luisa Casati.
| Founded | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig |
| Headquarters | New York, United States |
| Segment | Luxury and designer houses |
| Ownership | Privately held |
| Named after | Luisa Casati |
| Website | marchesa.com |
What is Marchesa?
Marchesa is a New York fashion house specialising in luxury evening gowns, cocktail dresses and occasion wear. Its website lists the Notte and Rosa lines, fashion and fine jewellery, couture, bridal, kids and home collections. The company is privately held.
History
Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig founded Marchesa in 2004, naming it after the Italian socialite Luisa Casati. The label gained exposure through red carpet appearances, and a gown worn by Sienna Miller on the September 2007 cover of Vogue featured in the documentary The September Issue. It later added handbags and bridal lines.
After the sexual abuse allegations against Harvey Weinstein, then the husband of Chapman, many celebrities largely avoided the brand on the red carpet, although Scarlett Johansson wore a custom Marchesa gown to the 2018 Met Gala. Keren Craig announced her departure in June 2019, and the Fall 2019 collection was presented by designers other than the founders.
Products and positioning
- Evening and occasion wear: gowns, cocktail dresses and separates.
- Bridal: wedding dresses, including a bridal collaboration with Lele Sadoughi.
- Accessories and jewellery: handbags, fashion and fine jewellery.
- Collaborations: Lenox dinnerware and a cosmetics line with Le Metier de Beaute in 2010.
Business model and distribution
Marchesa sells through its own online shop, which advertises complimentary US shipping, and through retail partners. Collaborations and licensed categories such as china and cosmetics have extended the brand beyond clothing. Detailed distribution and financial information is not published in the sources reviewed.
Why it matters
Marchesa is one of the best known American names in red carpet and bridal dressing. Its history also illustrates how closely a founder led fashion brand can be tied to external events, and how a label can continue after changes in its founding team.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Marchesa?
Marchesa was founded in New York in 2004 by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig. Craig announced her departure in June 2019.
What is Marchesa known for?
Marchesa is known for luxury evening gowns, cocktail dresses and bridal wear, often seen on the red carpet. It also offers accessories, jewellery and home collaborations.