Upbeat, joyful and artsy come to mind when describing Marni, the Italian label that has been designed by Consuelo Castiglioni since it was launched in 1994. The line is known for quirky, feminine combinations of bright colors, bold graphic patterns, elaborate fantasy prints, and natural textures, including many furs. The result is an offbeat, funky aesthetic that remains elegant and wearable. It’s a look that can be carried off by a broad age spectrum of women. If art teachers were chic and rich, they’d probably wear Marni. Background Marni is an Italian fashion house founded in 1994 by Consuelo Castiglioni. As the wife of Gianni Castiglioni, heir to CIWIFURS, one of the most prestigious Italian fur producers, the designer’s first collection was launched as part of her husband’s business, a line which was intended to modernize the image of then-unpopular fur to make it accessible to a wider audience. Two years later Consuelo Castiglioni founded Marni, named after her sister Marina, and since then she has made Marni one of the most influential fashion brands around today. Every two to three seasons the designer explores new horizons, from the bohemian Seventies to industrial materials, baby powder colors, geometry, sportswear, pastel colors, oversize jewelry and contemporary art. From the very beginning, color has been the hallmark of the brand, with Castiglioni daring to try new color combinations, often unusual and bright, to offset her graphic, geometric prints. Following the opening of the first ever Marni boutique in London, the brand’s signature look of whimsicality and Italian elegance, found its audience. Alongside the women’s ready-to-wear line, the brand launched a menswear collection Marni Men in 2002 and three years later the first Marni sneakers line in collaboration with Japanese brand Kamei Proact Corporation was launched. On March 8 2012, Marni launched a highly successful collection with H&M. 