During a time of significant creative shifts within the fashion industry, Marni CEO Stefano Rosso appointed Meryll Rogge as creative director. Many new designers often struggle to stand out, but Rogge quickly made her mark. Her inaugural runway show for the 32-year-old OTB-owned brand was met with critical acclaim, including praise from Vogue Runway, for being faithful to the aesthetic of Marni’s founder, Consuelo Castiglioni, while also launching a new era for the brand in 2026 and beyond.
Earlier this month, at the Vogue Business Global Summit in Chantilly, France, Meryll Rogge and Stefano Rosso shared insights into the future of Marni.
Vogue: My colleague Tiziana Cardini reviewed your debut, stating that “with Marni back in a woman’s hands, it karmically feels like the universe is tidying itself up.” Meryll, what are the advantages and disadvantages of being a female designer from your perspective?
Meryll: That’s quite a challenging question [laughs]. In our situation, it’s significant that the brand’s founder was a woman, and from what I gather, the brand was born from her desire to create designs for herself.
Stefano: For us, talent transcends gender. We sought the best talent to lead Marni into its next creative phase, and we believe Meryll possesses all the necessary qualities. Her being a woman is a potential added value, as we aim to refocus on women’s ready-to-wear, an area that has faced challenges in recent years. Thus, choosing her was natural because of her remarkable creative talent.
Vogue: Meryll, could you share the story of your first paycheck in the fashion industry and the purchase that perhaps foreshadowed your current role?
Meryll: Indeed. I began my career in 2008 at Marc Jacobs in New York, and with my first paycheck, instead of paying my overdue rent, I went uptown and bought a pair of Marni shoes I had been admiring for months. That was my first purchase with my very first paycheck.
Vogue: It seems your career at Marni was destined. I sensed this too when visiting the Marni showroom with you shortly before your show. You highlighted key moments from Consuelo Castiglioni’s early collections, drawing connections between the past and present Marni. Do you envision the archives as a permanent fixture in your work? How do you plan to utilize them?
Meryll: Our focus is on capturing Marni’s essence—what the brand signifies and its core values—and advancing it in a new context and era. While the archive will always have a role, our primary focus will be on the brand’s value system.
Vogue: Stefano, could you elaborate on Marni’s core values?
Stefano: Two words: modern elegance. We value having a distinctive perspective that goes beyond conventional boundaries. Our brand book includes the phrase “color outside the lines,” which I believe perfectly encapsulates Marni’s essence.
