Maria Francesca Pepe - MFP

DESIGNER NAME: Maria Francesca Pepe

BACKGROUND: Maria is from southern Italy. She completed her MA at Central Saint Martins having previously studied literature in Milan and then a BA in Fashion at the Maragoni Institute. She mainly did freelance work in Italy, then relocated to London and assisted Jens Laugesen as well briefly working at Vivienne Westwood, before launching her own brand. Maria has designed catwalk jewellery ranges for brands such as Roksanda Ilincic and Amanda Wakeley and collaborated with top high street retailers including Topshop and Urban Outfitters.

SIGNATURES: “Ancient symbols serve as amulets, enhancing the ultimate jewellery function as the perfect gift. Shapes and classic elements are reinterpreted from their traditional and ethnic forms within a post-modern aesthetic, adding a techno-deco appeal. The cross, the harness and the heart gain fashion relevance. The MFP vision is to create beautifully handcrafted, timeless pieces of superb quality with cutting edge design.”

TRADEMARK PIECE: “MFP studded jewellery, the 'Ade ' cross ring and hoops as appeared on the September cover of Vogue Paris worn by Kate Moss, and MFP 'Tubulars' which have been featured on all the major fashion editorials worldwide.”

IDEAL CLIENT: “Anyone who desires both high-end, handcrafted quality and design originality with an avant-garde approach. I sell objects of desire, made in Italy using the oldest techniques, although my aesthetic constantly evolves and is far from obvious. MFP creations are often inspired by the pop and street contemporary culture, but they actually reflect a more hidden, instinctive taste and approach to fashion. This allows the collections to be appreciated by a variety of customers, regardless of age.”

THE COLLECTION: “Tattoo art, Indian exotic spiritualism and introspection are the main themes of this elegant and innovative jewellery collection, which mixes punk, tribal, gothic chic and luxury.”
   
CULTURAL INFLUENCES: “I believe being a designer is a state of mind and a consecutive, peculiar approach to reality. I constantly research and I am deeply influenced by cultural movements, people I meet, art exhibitions I visit, the music I listen to and my dreams.”

PLANS FOR 2013: “To keep up with the current positive trend, including an exclusive fine-jewellery capsule, new upcoming collaborations with both luxury and high street brands, a representative agent in the US, and increasing presence in the Asian market.”