OK yes, I probably should have more clothing on here – so let’s start with the fabulous Marianna Nardin of Black Mirror Design! And although my tastes usually run to Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto, I am sure everyone’s like me and got a secret little burlesque fascination!

 

 

It’s easy to be seduced by Marianna’s work though, it is superbly cut and constructed. It is thoughtful and quirky, with lots of attention to detail, combining elements of military, burlesque, Victorian, punk, and steampunk in a playful and wild mix. (Did you notice the lace chevrons on the Aviator shrug below?)

 

 

Although currently based in London, Marianna is Italian, and after receiving her first degree as an art teacher, went on to complete  studies in Decorative Arts and Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice. During this period of study, she always spent time sewing and experimenting with fabrics, thinking of her pieces more as sculpture than clothes. One of her experiments was to make skirts and corsets out of hospital materials, and she says that this was where her interest in Gothic, fetish, and burlesque began.

 

 

She moved to London in 2003 in order to pursue her clothing ambitions, and Black Mirror Design was born in 2004. Since then, she has had her clothing bought around the globe, and has been featured in numerous high profile magazines. Everything is still handmade in her London studio, which she runs with her partner and managing director, Marco.

 

 

Next up? She is currently working on a wedding dress collection, inspired by the 20s with bustle skirts. Can’t wait to see!

You can find more of Marianna’s work in her Etsy shop BlackMirrorDesign, and on her own website www.blackmirrordesign.net.

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With thanks to Marianna for sharing her words and images here.