Maria Francesca Pepe – Bathing Beauties
31. January 2010 Accessories & Jewelry, Designers & Labels
Dear Maria Francesca Pepe, today it is the forth time, i talk about your work. Two years ago, it was “Paradoxa”, your first collection that caught my eye and made me immediately fall in love with your ability to transform unusual shapes and heavy-weighting volumes into wearable jewelry. Then there was “Mucha”, modeled by Alice Dellal. You experimented with materials such as calf, iguana, caiman and sheep skin and oversized shapes that were supplemented by some more filigree details and pieces. This was pretty refreshing.And then, it happend, that you started to mix fashion design and jewelry making in “Art Brut”. This was the point were i got lost.
Like i already wrote, wether it were the shots, or the fashion – i didn`t get the uniquesness of your collection. But thankfully, this changed with your fantastic “Les fabulous C” collection. Back on the track i just praised – the fashion and the jewels, the way how you brought them together and my joy to be able again to dream about wearing Maria Francesca Pepe. Curiously and full of expectations, i landed on your website again to find “Bathing Beauties”. A collection of dresses, jewelry and shoes for summer 2010. 
While watching your fashion film, i dreamt away to old Hollywood, became a diva, standing on a pool. In one of my bejewelled hands a cigarette, in the other a glass of champaign. Hair well done, head held high and warm summer breeze caressing my soft flowing silk dress. BUT THEN – SHOCK. 
As desirable your collection was in your film (here, i present some screenshots) , as dissapointed i was, when looking at your lookbook. The bejewelled fashion pieces with elements we already have seen in – sorry to say – way more interesting variations, were not matching the again interesting and innovative jewels, you created.
I can`t help, but stumbling again in the gap of not feeling that your talent for jewelry design is matching your ability for fashion design. One is far ahead of the other. Maybe, my expectations are way too high, maybe i just don`t get it. But no matter what “maybe`s” exist. I am still a fan. 
Photos viaMaria Francesca Pepe.
When Coco Chanel opened her first shop in 1913 in Paris, no one would have been thought that this woman would become one of the most influential designers of the 20th century, a role model for the industrially expanding world and a precursor for female independence.... 
Don´t worry, What´s Wrong With The Zoo isn´t going porn - instead, I have a look towards south. To Munich, Germany. In the midst of the Glockenbachviertel, the AMEN Store doesn´t only hawk unique mirroring but also cares about the good style. (read on) 
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