Celebrity Fashionistas' Best Kept Secret: Marchesa

What do fashion icons Sienna Miller, Mischa Barton, and Jennifer Lopez all have in common? If your guess has anything to do with the explosion of Marchesa designer gowns, then you've hit the nail on the head. Anyone watching the 2007 Golden Globes surely had dropped jaws as Jennifer Lopez strolled down the red carpet in a stunning black asymmetrical, embroidered gown. When questioned by reporters as to whom the designer was, she proudly exclaimed: "Marchesa!"

But the 2007 Golden Globes isn't the first glitzy occasion in which Ms. Lopez donned a Marchesa label. Rewind to the November 2006 nuptials of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise. Jennifer wore a similar bright yellow dress from the label at one of the couple's celebratory dinners. With so many other A-List beauties following suit, it may seem that the Marchesa label is taking Hollywood by storm.

WHO IS MARCHESA?

If you're wondering exactly "who" Marchesa is, you'll need to think in two's, for this label was birthed by team designers, Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman. The two, who both studied at Chelsea College Arts and Design in Great Britain, established the label in April of 2004.

The clothing line itself was named after the infamous Marchesa Luisa Casati (1877-1957), a European aristocrat. The word "marchesa" itself refers to the female relative (most often wife) of a nobleman. Craig and Chapman were inspired by the eccentricity of Casati's personality. The socialite, born in the 19^th century was famous for showing off her pet cheetah by walking him around on a diamond encrusted leash. Her eccentricity didn't stop there. She had nude servants draped in gold to attend to her every whim. Casati was also known to hold dinner parties in which wax mannequins were the guests. Marchesa Casati was a world traveler, collecting exquisite garments and exotic animals amongst other things. Suffice it to say, her whimsical spirit captivated both Craig and Chapman, who have unleashed this exotic label upon the masses.

WHO IS WEARING MARCHESA?

Currently, the majority of Marchesa wearers are nestled comfortably in their A-List lives. But if one cares to venture to Neiman Marcus, designs from Marchesa's Notte line can be purchased for literally thousands less.

Many gowns from the Notte line feature the same draping and empire waist accents as the couture line. But both Chapman and Craig have decided that the collection overall should reflect the exotic charm of the high-end clothing, with a level of comfort that facilitates daily wear.

The designs themselves reek of femininity, with bias cuts and asymmetrical necklines assuming a prominent role in the line's mystique. Jennifer Lopez' red carpet entrance at the 2007 Globes was a sublime example of what Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman were trying to achieve with the look. It appears however, that the trend has caught on like wildfire, as A-Lister after another glides in front of cameras wearing the fashionable gowns.

One might wonder why the designs themselves seem to be sparking such a craze. Rumors are circulating that Georgina Chapman's romantic relationship with Miramax mogul, Harvey Weinstein has something to do with the heavy demand for the gowns. The coincidence of the demand itself and the circle of "demanders" have raised the suspicion that Marchesa's success is due largely (or solely) in part to Weinstein's apparent influence.

WHY IS MARCHESA SO HOT?

Quite simply, the designs have become extremely trendy due to the fact that they are extremely photogenic pieces. The fabrics' ethereal qualities add a touch of whimsy and elegance, while the embroidery and accents provide a foreign flair. Many of the designs draw heavily from India: the saris which make up a good portion of the female wardrobe in that country. Another aspect that makes these gowns such a hit, is the fact that many of them have been constructed with built-in backless corsets which help hold the dress in place. Couple this feature with the hand-stitched hems and seams, and a hot commodity has been born.

Other accents like roses (featured during a show in New York's Fashion Week) also add feminine, yet seductive charm to the gowns. Furthermore, because of the way many of the dresses are designed, older stars seem to be drawn to the empire waists, while more youthful A-Listers appreciate some of the more daring features of the collection.

The design team has limited the number of dresses which are actually in production. The law of supply and demand dictates that when there isn't much of something, everybody wants it. Whether or not the Marchesa label was pushed to the forefront by a little romantic nepotism is neither here nor there. Celebrities appear to be clamoring for the classy, yet seductive appeal of Hollywood's newest fashion team.