HIGH SUMMER 2024: A MARNI JAM AS ENVISIONED BY PALOMA ELSESSER, ALAKE SHILLING AND FRANCESCO RISSO

MARNI HIGH SUMMER 2024 - Photography Colin Dodgson

Marni proudly presents its 2024 High Summer capsule collection.  Everything is connected out there in the world. The sun-kissed days of high summer make the collective bonding between humans and nature possibly more glaring and needed. 

Conceived as a bodacious wardrobe for sunny days, complete with bags and accessories, the new installment of Marni Jam, the interdisciplinary multi-practice that holds Marni and like-minded entities into a series of creative exchanges, has been co-designed by Francesco Risso, American plus-size model Paloma Elsesser and American artist Alake Shilling in a seamless amalgamation of practices and as an ode to the bond between human bodies and the body of nature.

“Having been a long time Marni family member my heart sings at this collision of all of our likes. It is also a new expression of Marni’s commitment to seeing the beauty in all people with its size extension going to 56* for the first time, as well as my shared vision of the industry I wish to see. This collection is a reflection of the joy that summer brings: a slurry of sweat, sweetness, and surrender.  I am very excited to share this with the world.”

Paloma Elsesser

Alake’s soft, vibrant flora and fauna swarms on items meant to embrace a variety of shapes, and charged with Marni’s unique sense of playfulness.  Either barely touched or revealed by pieces cut close to the figure, the body is central, its energy liberated: cut-outs, flounces and the see-through nature of crochet, which is featured prominently, allow for a constant glimpse of skin.   Dresses are open in the front; bra tops, swimsuits and towels hint at beachy fun. Shirt jackets and slender coats are cut straight, while bomber jackets, blouses and full skirts float and flow. Covering up is meant to reveal, with pleated skirts worn over trousers and capacious slacks that are low slung. Topstitching on denim pieces delineates the silhouette.  The palette is appropriately earthy and summery: an amalgamation of white, sand, pale yellow, and cocoa with bright notes of leaf green, sunny yellow, sky blue.

Shirt Collar Sleeveless Cross Back Midi Dress with Swirling Tiger Fever Dreams HKD 15,500	Bowling Shirt with Funky Charm Explosion HKD 7,700	Fitted Mermaid Godet Denim Skirt HKD 10,600	Long Denim Jacket with Contrast Stitching and Tie Back Waist HKD 17,300	Sleeveless Fitted Midi Denim Dress with Contrast Stitching and Godet Bottom HKD 17,700

Giving corporeal texture to a ‘naturorgasmic’ fantasy made real in the sun are the organic and lower-impact materials used throughout, exploring new ways forward and the constant quest for a beautiful approach.  Organic cotton features as super light muslin, toile, stretch poplin, jersey, gabardine and stretch denim; mercerized organic cotton is used for crochet items.  Flax, which is historically known as a low impact natural fiber, recurs as a crisp woven linen, and throughout knitwear, while viscose is sourced through responsibly managed forests and swimwear is crafted from recycled lycra and nylon. Mineral dying processes avoid the use of harmful chemicals. Even components and trims make innovative use of alternative materials: Corozo buttons, made with natural materials replace horn; zippers are crafted from recycled polyester.

Metal Tiger with Branch, Heart and Pearl Necklace  HKD 5,300	Tiger Hook Earrings HKD 5,300

Accessories are woven raffia hats, floppy hats with oversized brims and caps. The playfulness of the collection is further evident in canvas and leather circular handbags surreally shaped like hoop earrings.

Captured down the streets of Los Angeles through the lens of acclaimed American photographer Colin Dodgson, MARNI HIGH SUMMER 2024 campaign stars model Paloma Elsesser in key looks from the collection, set against California’s sunlight.  

The 2024 High Summer capsule collection is now available at all Marni boutiques in Hong Kong.