Interviewed by Holmag.INC

Lily Marotto is a professional fashion designer and the founder of the eponymous brand of luxurious custom-printed women-swear. It is a fast-growing brand, representing classic femininity for today’s world. Inspired by Art, Philosophy, Mythology, and Heritage. All the stages of production, including fabric printing, happen in the brand production studio in the USA.

Congratulations on your Fort Lauderdale Fashion Week Show! How did you feel during the process before the show? 

It was such an honor to be granted and show my collection at Fort Lauderdale Fashion Week. After the COVID19, we needed to close our design studio and move from California. This show was the breath of fresh air that revitalized the brand. Of course, every fashion show is a hustle. You need to finish all the new pieces. Style them and get everything ready. It is pretty stressful. But the show’s production was incredible and very professional. I can’t even describe how joyful I feel when I can share my creations with the audience.

Was this your first show or have you done others? If yes what are they?

It was my first show in Florida, but I showed my collections at many International Fashion Weeks. I have done LAFW and participated in multiple NYFWs. I also attended many local shows and events in California. The gem of my portfolio is Paris FW, where I showcased my collection at the Eiffel Tower. 

Who is a fashion idol that influenced your design directions?

It is hard to pick, and there were so many incredible designers and fashion icons. I would say that I am the biggest fan of Elsa Schiaparelli. The way she worked with surrealist artists and created “walking art” pieces inspired and influenced my design techniques a lot. 

What is your niche exactly?

I have several design lines, but mostly I am focused on custom-printed and luxurious one-of-a-kind garments made of natural fibers. For my Couture line, I will choose unusual draping techniques. I will also select complex corsetry, extravagant color/print combinations, and hand-embroidery as differentiation factors. 

Has it been smooth in this industry? How did you embark into your fashion journey?

I have been in the fashion industry for nine years and started as a brand manager. I loved working with fashion styles and enjoyed picking the items for the stores. Creating marketing campaigns was exciting, but it wasn’t creative enough. I wanted to express and form my vision. I couldn’t do it working with the policies and strict directions of the brands who hired me. So, I left corporate culture. I started my education first as a fashion stylist and color specialist. Later, I pursued a career as a designer. Establishing the brand and being responsible for all the processes is a lot of work. Nevertheless, the smiles and comfort of my happy customers make it worth it.

What school did you graduate from? How has your school prepared you for the fashion industry? 

I graduated from the Apparel Design and Merchandizing program at the College of Alameda in California. I am incredibly grateful to my professors. They taught me and believed in me. They also helped to develop my creative point of view. Even now, I have tons of experience in designing. I take a minute to remember their advice; I say my silent grace to them. 

I completed the Personal Stylist Image Mastery for Women course at AOPI. There, I also completed the Color Analysis Consultant course from the Fashion Stylist Institute. These two courses helped me develop my styling skills and achieve AICI certification, which proves my qualification worldwide. 

What you recommend to any current fashion design students? (Give them all the goodies) haha

Don’t give up on your dreams! Hard work and talent will bring you success. These words are always helping me to stay on track: 

“Though the mills of God grind slowly;

Yet they grind exceeding small;

Though with patience, He stands waiting,

With exactness grinds He all.”

What can we expect to see in the coming years from you?

I will keep working on the new collections and the upcoming accessory line. I will also participate in fashion collaborations with visual artists and local designers.

How do we get in touch with you? (social media, email if necessary, site)

https://lilymarotto.com

https://www.facebook.com/lilymarotto

https://www.instagram.com/lilymarotto

lily.marotto@gmail.com

Photo Credits:

EMFP1: Photo by Eugene Manning @pmphotographynyc
Models:  @hannahhedge.official @fivonapham
MUAH @natali.artistry @thebrookedorough

E-mcvey2: Photo by Todd McVey @toddmcvey_photography
Models: @thejuneramadhan @tortillakay

Alex: Photo by Alex Matt Model @jadejetaimexoxo

Me: Photo by Eugene Polyak @eugenepolyak