Style File: Mad about Marni

Few do it as well as Marni when it comes to mixing prints, patterns and pop culture. The Swiss-born, Milan-based fashion designer behind the fashion label is Consuelo Castiglioni, who has been designing eclectic prints and exotic accessories for the past 18 years. When Consuelo and Gianni, her husband, launched Marni in 1994, they had only a Fall/Winter Collection. Today the family-run fashion house has more than 100 stores in 19 countries, including in the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. The label went mainstream on March 8, when it joined forceswith H&M in what was the latest designer collaboration. With an ever-expanding style portfolio the businesswoman, fashion designer, mother of two and new grandmother says her favourite way to spend time away from fashion is with her family. "My greatest joy is my first grandson, who was born a few months ago," says Castiglioni. She talks to Shannon Wylie about family, her love of fashion and art and why creating a fragrance has been her greatest achievement.

CONSUELO'S WORLD

BEING STYLISH MEANS... being yourself. I'M INSPIRED BY... things that surround me, such as art, travel, people, cultures. Life itself is inspiring. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN IS... to always remain true to yourself. I WOULD DESCRIBE MYSELF BY SAYING THAT... I love to think that it is my work that speaks for me. MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT IS... the perfume. It's a wish we've had for a long time. The perfume completes the Marni aesthetic. AS A DESIGNER... I am a very curious person. There is always something new to discover.