Fashion Design — Marianne Faulkner, MFA

Marianne Faulkner is a polymathic Creative Director with over a decade of experience in the fashion industry.

Corsetry

I am an internationally recognized corsetiere with an emphasis on fit and design for modern bodies. Since launching my line Pop Antique in 2007, I’ve been mentored by and became senior patternmaker for world leader Dark Garden Corsetry. I was a Founding Fellow and multi-year instructor at the Oxford Conference of Corsetry. Through my writings for The Lingerie Addict, I coined the now widely used fit term “cupped rib.” I pioneered innovation in the field of integrated corsetry, combining corsets with other garments without sacrificing function and wearability. My pool-friendly, waist-reducing “swimming corset” went viral. I’ve made tightlacing corsets from materials as diverse as t-shirts and patent leather, with an engineered fit that doesn’t compromise on comfort.

EXAMPLES TO PULL: swimming corset, Eden, knit corsets, shirtwaist corset, Jessica Rabbit

Collections

I’ve designed collections solo and with a team of other designers. From mood boards and sketches to fittings and final construction, from sourcing to costing, I’ve been hands on with every step of development. I love exploring different aspects of a concept to execute appealing silhouettes for diverse body types, cohesively.

EXAMPLES TO PULL: Glossimer, Oscura, Incite, Invocation, Shades of Ivory

Leather & Accessories

Complementing the intense accuracy of fit and construction called for by corsetry, I also have a passion for accessories which can more accessibly be designed and produced to fit a wide range of styles. My journey with leatherwork began with my leather berets — an easy wardrobe staple for any fashionista. I expanded to collars, miniature ties, and earrings, seeking to maximize use of the hide in the name of sustainability. I have also worked with traditional millinery techniques, including blocked hats as well as fascinators. In fabric, my 1910s inspired Chrysalis Wrap has become an easy and versatile show-stopping piece that can be styled in myriad ways from the pool to a black tie occasion.

EXAMPLES TO PULL: beret, bitch collar, Vicky, posture harness, millinery, fascinator

Daywear

I believe fashion is made to be lived in. I strive to create daywear pieces that are as fun as they are easy to wear. I take particular joy in creating jumpsuits and coordinating separates… with pockets, whenever possible, of course! My references for these designs pull from a wide range of decades for a whimsical result that often feels rather outside of time. I create slow fashion with a high rewear value.

EXAMPLES TO PULL: bisexual jumpsuit, bridesfae, circle pants, Kelsey dress, disco dots casual edition

Bridal & Eveningwear

It’s no surprise that a background in corsetry lends itself well to creating formal ensembles. I have been privileged to create one-of-a-kind wedding and gala ensembles for many clients. As with collection design, my part in the process is extremely hands-on: I have ownership from consultation through fittings, lead in directing construction methods, and, in many cases, also stitched final garments.

EXAMPLES TO PULL: Jay, Kate Rudolph, Emma Sterling, Kelsey, Chloe, my wedding dress, the red jumpsuit, Mayhem dress, silk jersey, Elisa Berlin?

Fashion Illustration

I first came to fashion design through my passion for illustration. Through my MFA coursework, I was able to pursue the skill on a higher technical level by taking classes through the Illustration department in addition to those offered to the Fashion students. Whether for technical drawings or concept development, I am comfortable with both hand- and digital-sketching. I am most comfortable in Adobe Illustrator and quick to learn new digital tools. For hand illustration, my go-to medium is alcohol markers; my 2011 MFA thesis instead utilized watercolor for its illustration component. When it comes to client work, I am known for delivering a final ensemble that looks like the sketch.

EXAMPLES TO PULL: flats, Cabaret a Go Go, sketches for any of the above