CALLING all Marni fans. A selection of four mesmerising, one-of-a-kind coats from the Milanese fashion house’s SS21 collection, Marnifesto, will be sold at Christie’s London until June 23 in support of the non-profit Alliance of Artists Communities.
Presented as part of Christie’s Jewels & Handbags Online: The London Edit, the unique leather coats have been upcycled from the brand’s archives and feature hand-painted words, poetry and drawings collected during lockdown by members of Marni’s community, including Julien d’Ys, Mykki Blanco, Jonah Hill and Michelle Elie.
Look 46 from Marni’s SS21 Marnifesto collection
Details of look 46 from Marni’s SS21 Marnifesto collection
“These one-off pieces reverberate the emotions among the Marni community during the Covid-19 pandemic, and they are the result of a collective effort in a time of uncertainty and hope,” said Marni Creative Director, Francesco Risso, on the beauty of the Marnifesto highlights. “We gave a new interpretation to the beautiful garments we found in our archives by hand-painting the words and drawings collected throughout the lockdown.
“Because these pieces transcend time and go beyond fashion, we are extremely proud to present them through Christie’s, hoping they will resonate further and ultimately enter the life of those who are willing to treasure them.”
Look 10 from Marni’s SS21 Marnifesto collection
Details of look 10 from Marni’s SS21 Marnifesto collection
Look 28 from Marni’s SS21 Marnifesto collection
Details of look 28 from Marni’s SS21 Marnifesto collection
“We are delighted to partner with Marni to offer four one-of-a-kind, wearable works of art from the 2021 Spring-Summer Marnifesto Collection,” said Rachel Koffsky, Christie’s international senior specialist of handbags & accessories.
“Made during the pandemic, hand painted in the Marni atelier in Italy, each unique piece represents a Love Letter from Marni collaborators to Francesco Risso, the fashion community and the world at large. One year later, this collection could not be more resonant. The eclectic, hand-painted nature of the collection represents the do-it-yourself sensibility which came to the fore at the beginning of the pandemic.
“While some of us baked sourdough, or learned to knit, the Marni atelier used their craft to make sense of this uncertain time, and to heal the community. Reflecting this, Marni has dedicated a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Alliance of Artists Communities. At this time, we need art more than ever, and to support artists and artist communities in need.”
Look 37 from Marni’s SS21 Marnifesto collection
Details of look 37 from Marni’s SS21 Marnifesto collection
by Joshua Hendren
For more information on Christie’s Jewels & Handbags Online: The London Edit, please visit here
With bidding starting from £100, looks 10, 28, 37 and 46 from the Marnifesto collection will be available to view at Christie’s London until June 16.