Christie’s Jewels & Handbags Online: The London Edit from 9 to 23 June will present four one-of-a-kind pieces from Marni’s SS21 Marnifesto collection, sold to benefit the Alliance of Artists Communities, an international association of artist residencies that support artists of any discipline in the development of new creative work. The selection of Marnifesto highlights will comprise of upcycled leather coats from the brand’s archives, featuring hand-painted words and drawings inspired by Marni’s community. The online auction will open on 9 June, with bidding starting from £100, and the unique pieces will be available to view at Christie’s London from 11 to 16 June.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Marni’s creative director Francesco Risso opened up a dialogue between the talents, photographers and creative consultants who have collaborated with the brand over the years, including Mykki Blanco, Jonah Hill, Michelle Elie, Julien d’Ys, Camilla Nickerson, Jess Maybury among others. Exploring creativity and new ways of working during lockdown, this epistolary chain served as the inspiration for the resulting Marnifesto collection, conceived as a celebration of human connections, love, freedom and self-expression.
Once back in the studio, Marni’s treasured archives served as a neutral canvas, with previous collections upcycled and transformed into one-of-a-kind pieces, hand-painted with poetry, words and motifs collected during lockdown. Spontaneous brush strokes adorn these wearable pieces of art, beauty born out of challenges and an exploration of the future while paying tribute to the past.
Rachel Koffsky, Christie’s International Senior Specialist, Handbags & Accessories: «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. 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.»
Part of my personal collection: Trunk hand-painted leather shoulder bag by Marni
Francesco Risso, Marni’s Creative Director: «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. 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.»
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Marni
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.
Deborah Cavendish, Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, (1920-2014) photographed by Mario Testino in a November 2010 issue of Vogue, was the grandmother of fashion model Stella Tennant (1970–2020) and aristocrat William Cavendish, Earl of Burlington. 
Mathilde Lacoste
Chloé x FUSALP
