Marina Larroudé on dressing with purpose and play

Marina Larroudé, the designer behind Markarian, approaches dressing as a conversation between intention and possibility. Her philosophy centres on pieces that transcend the arbitrary divisions between day and evening, between the practical and the polished. A single dress or wrap becomes a kind of wardrobe Swiss Army knife, shifting its mood and purpose depending on the hand that wears it and the moment it enters.

This approach to versatility runs through everything she makes. The cream and burgundy leaf print wrap dress that appears throughout her recent studio photographs is precisely this kind of garment: crisp cotton with delicate embroidered motifs, it moves from morning meeting to dinner table without apology. The waist tie cinches it into definition, the peplum skirt catches light and movement, and the cut allows for layering or wearing alone. It is a piece that knows its own company.

Larroudé speaks to the intelligence of colour choice as well. Rather than the predictable neutrals that dominate conversations about versatile dressing, she encourages strategic pops of colour and playfulness. A pair of pointed slingback heels in butter yellow or blush, a gold chain bracelet catching the light at the wrist, the deep crimson of a manicure against soft fabrics, these are the details that transform a dress from serviceable to distinctive. Versatility, in her vision, never means anonymity. It means a woman dressing herself, not dressing a role.

The studio itself tells the story of considered choices: shelves lined with shoes in jewel tones and metallics, books stacked with intention, plants adding life to white textured walls. Everything visible speaks to an aesthetic that refuses to compartmentalise elegance. Colour, comfort, practicality and beauty exist in the same wardrobe, worn by the same woman, sometimes in the same hour.

Imagery courtesy of Markarian (@markarian_nyc).