Maria Francesca Pepe

Studs, spikes and sweeping fabrics define Maria Francesca Pepe’s latest ‘Fortuna’ collection and indeed, this hard edged, yet beautiful style has been resonant in all of her previous offerings. The Italian born designer, now living in London, graduated from Central St Martins four years ago and has achieved enviable success ever since attaining her masters in womenswear there. In addition to this, she also studied fashion at the Marangoni Institute and took further short courses in Fine Drawing, Styling, Digital Design, Experimental Fashion Design and Professional Sewing in London. Despite her significant experience and background in clothing design, her success is often attributed to her superior skills in the accessories department. Pepe’s notoriety comes in part from her concept of ‘jewellery wear’, which in her own words is ‘where jewellery is conceived in a subversive, avant-garde way as the primal focus of an outfit. The Italian artcraft quality and the bold, goth appeal of the creations have become signature of a unique style.’ So unique in fact, she now has five seasons behind her. Proving her worth in a difficult marketplace environment, Pepe has become one of the most innovative and cool international brands in fashion jewellery. Her ecommerce site has now been launched and a number of iconic celebrities have lauded their praises on the young designer. Iconic, original and mixing quality with innovation she is a force to be reckoned with.