clos-ette case: Georgina Chapman

Posted on April 02, 2011 by melanie fascitelli

Here at Clos-ette, we have a soft spot for full-on, drop-dead glamour, and nobody does that better than Marchesa’s Georgina Chapman. Since launching the eveningwear line in 2004 (with co-founder Keren Craig), Chapman has outfitted seemingly half of Hollywood in her elegant, high-drama creations. Yet even with a celebrity fan base that includes names like Halle, Demi, and Penelope, Chapman herself is the ultimate poster girl for the Marchesa brand. The British beauty –who’s married to movie mogul Harvey Weinstein –has a serious penchant for big-time jewels, killer heels, and flourishes of the feathered, beaded and tulle variety. In other words, she’s our kind of girl.

clos-ette case: Georgina Chapman


We spoke with the reigning queen of the red carpet about her own wardrobe, storage tips, and favorite ways to turn up the glamour quotient.  

How would you describe your personal style?

Feminine and eclectic. A mix of vintage and tailored pieces.

Are you more of a pack-rat or a neat-freak?

Unfortunately, I’m quite the opposite of a neat-freak – I’m really quite a messy person in my personal life! Thankfully, we’re able to keep everything nicely organized at our atelier.

What fashion world tricks have you applied to your own closet?

 I’m a very visual person, so I like to have everything laid out where I can see it. And of course, as a designer, I tend to think quite seasonally.

What are your best tips for caring for and storing eveningwear?

*Pieces should be stored on a hanger, stuffed with tissue to help maintain shape. If you can keep a piece on a bust form, even better.

*Gowns shouldn’t be stored in garment bags – it’s better for the fabric to breathe, but make sure that they’re not rubbing up against any other pieces. Beads, crystals and other details have a tendency to snag delicate fabrics.

*Make sure your racks are high enough to keep long trains off the floor when possible.

*Never hang a dress by its actual straps – it will stretch out. Try and use hangers with clips, but make sure they are padded or protected with tissue paper so they don’t dent the dress.

*Direct sunlight can fade and destroy fabrics, so make sure everything in stored in a dark area. 


Halle Berry in Marchesa at the 2011 Academy Awards

What are your favorite accessories for evening?   

Marchesa evening bags, dramatic Christian Louboutin heels, and jewels with a vintage feel, like those from Miriam Haskell or Lorraine Schwartz.

How do you store your evening accessories?

I keep jewelry organized in trays and drawers. I keep all shoes lined up out in clear sight, where they are easily accessible. Clutches are organized and displayed on shelves in my closet.

What are you excited about wearing when the weather warms up?

Christian Louboutin sandals, vintage kaftans and floaty summer dresses. 

A beaded Marchesa evening clutch

What's the most glamorous thing in your closet?

My Harry Winston Avenue B watch and Garrard sapphire necklace.

What pieces will you save forever?

I save everything – from the dresses I design to vintage pieces I’ve collected over the years. I plan to pass everything down to my daughter, India – assuming she wants it!



A dramatic look from Marchesa's spring collection

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