Marlova: Modern Twist on Classic Knits
It’s all in the details for knitwear newcomer Marlova. Beautiful buttons and hardware mesh with interesting cuts and lines to yield innovative designs. Partners Nadia Bozzetti, Costantino de Angelis and designer Soyun Shin set out to create a knit line, and Shin said that for the Fall 2007 launch, cashmere was the perfect choice for their primary fabrication. “Marlova is alternatively classic with a modern twist. I try to stay away from designing standard basics, as I feel Marlova is more about exuding a certain level of mystique and intelligence in dressing,” Shin explained.
Bozzetti handles production and sourcing while de Angelis takes care of the business side, allowing Shin to focus solely on the designs. Targeting high-end boutiques and top-tier department stores, Marlova consists of three deliveries with nine to 12 styles for each. The majority of the line is produced in Shanghai, China, but most of the hardware and detail elements are sourced from Los Angeles and Italy.
Muted tones add to the enduring appeal of the designs and allow the innovative silhouettes to shine through. “Subdued colors are sexy,” said Shin. “Gradations of neutrals always add depth and sophistication. Since our pieces aren’t trendbased, I wanted to keep the colors subtle and timeless.”
Standout pieces in the premiere line include the “Tee Dress With Button-Tab Sleeves,” “Military Cardigan,” “Drape-Sleeve Poet Dress” and the “Wrap Scarf Pocket Dress.” A sneak peek at sketches for the Holiday collection revealed a bevy of new styles, including cable-knit patterns, a skirt, knit fisherman’s pants and a shorter version of this season’s “Trooper Coat.” The company is also exploring other yarn options for Spring 2008. “Cashmere is not going to be viable in Spring,” says Shin. “We’re going to introduce cottons, linen, blended yarns and organic yarns.”
At press time, Susan of Burlingame, based in the San Francisco Bay Area; Stanley Korshak in Dallas; The Grocery Store in San Francisco; Active Endeavors in Chicago; and Opening Ceremony in New York had placed orders for Fall. Wholesale prices range from $56 for arm warmers to $300 for the “Drape-Sleeve Poet Dress” to $440 for the “Trooper Coat.” “We know it’s a long road ahead, but we are in it for the long haul,” says de Angelis. “Quality and service are top priority.” For more information, contact em Productions at (213) 614-9292. —Dena Smolek
