A fashion brand cannot live by fluffy couture dresses alone. Actually, it can if it wants to. But fashion by nature is a creative endeavor and designers want to flex their stylistic muscles. Marchesa, known for its divine dresses, is launching a shoe line. It will no doubt be to die for and is actually a luxe but logical extension of the brand, known for its feminine and confectionary frocks, which often dominate Oscar red carpets with their juxtaposition of intricacy and airiness.
Marchesa's Georgina Chapman told Women's Wear Daily she has always envisioned Marchesa as a "lifestyle brand and including a full shoe collection is an important part of that vision." I am sure shoe queen Carrie Bradshaw would agree with that assessment, since sexy heels boost an outfit or gown!
Chapman also revealed that Marchesa customers, fans, and retail outlets have been incredibly vocal about wanting Marchesa to dip its pedicured toes into the footwear pool. So that's just what it's doing.
Chapman told WWD that the company's partner in the shoe venture understands "the need for impeccable quality and have worked with the best factories in Italy and Spain to ensure the collection is beautifully crafted." Duh! I'd expect nothing less.
Marchesa's playful and whimsical dresses have been some my red carpet favorites through the years. I have full faith and confidence that the shoes will be stunning. In honor of Marchesa doing shoes, let's look back on 11 of the best Marchesa dresses, which usually feature a combo of detailed beading with poufy, tulle skirts.
1. Rita Ora... Belted
The singer and actress is likely the brand's biggest celeb fan, because she wears Marchesa so often. This frilly white dress with a black belt was so princess-y, yet it wasn't fussy. It's probably one of my all-time fave Ora looks.
2. Rita Ora The Mermaid
Ora's off-white, mermaid silhouette in tulle was breathtaking. From this angle, it was shaped like those reverse heel platforms!
Like these... which, BTW, marks one of my fave Victoria Beckham looks ever, as well.
3. Halle Berry Blushed
Berry's blush and beaded Marchesa gown from the 2011 Oscars was dangerously soft and mermaid-like. See the pattern? Marchesa dresses are crazy feminine. They are like floating works of art.
4. SJP'S LBD
Sarah Jessica Parker's ladylike LBD showed off legs for days. It was fluffy and puffy and I would wear this to any wedding to which I was invited. I covet this so much that it has become an unhealthy obsession. I'm starting to scare myself.
5. Sofia Vergara's Goddess Gown
At the 2015 Met Gala, Vergara wore a rose gold Marchesa gown that was deceptively simple. Look closely at the detailing of the floral-beaded bust. Not so simple, eh?
6. Poppy Delevingne's Red Flowers
Cara's big sister Poppy rocked a red frock with a floral bust the 2015 Met Gala. The volume of the top could have overtaken her. But somehow, there was a subtle element of restraint among all those blooms. It was an example of the innate artistry of fashion and design.
7. J. Lo's Peach Puff
Jennifer Lopez's peach puff feather dress had such a ballerina-like shape. It was frillier than what she usually sports. But it was still super stunning on her.
8. Kate Beckinsale's Cloud
The British actress wore this pale blue and cloud-like tulle gown with the ornate skirt to Cannes a few years back. It was as though she floated down the red carpet.
Seriously, was she a modern day Cinderella or what?
9. Kate Beckinsale's Charcoal Dream
Like I can't with Marchesa! Beckinsale wore this charcoal gown with the massive skirt to the Met Gala in 2010. The actress sparkled... literally. The use of textured materials made this dress so memorable. The mixed materials look is a Marchesa specialty! This gown was damn-near theatrical.
10. Blake Lively As A Lady In Red
Marchesa's speciality is the poufy bottoms of dresses, be it long or short. The Gossip Girl star popped in her red mini with a puffed skirt. As always, texture and detailing play a huge part in Marchesa's girlish numbers. She looked like a rose, right?
11. Eva Longoria And Her Train
Oh my! Longoria's frothy and silvery embroidered Marchesa gown had a major tulle train that needed its own zip code. She and her Marchesa were essentially epic!
You can see the Marchesa hallmarks. Dramatic. Fluffy. Airy. Tulle. Volume below the waist. Sure, there are exceptions. But the brand's short frocks are equally as breath-stealing.
Marchesa is always so sophisticated.
