Maria Bolelli's “Marrocos”
At first glance—electric cobalt blue images captivate against the white-washed walls of Papelaria. Front and center: @mariabolelli. With a champagne flute in hand, a wide smile, and draped in a dark purple-patterned coat of her own design, she radiates the night’s celebration.
Maria Bolelli "net" bags.
As the inaugural feature writer for our pages, Maria’s distinct expertise and individuality were undeniably clear. Her adeptness at keeping a secret of such magnitude—an extraordinary shift from skillfully curating others' designs to embarking on the innovative journey of developing and curating her own—was equally impressive.
Yielding to the allure of diverse, tactile elements—pigments, fabrics, metals, threads, and stones—Maria revisits every hidden corner and secluded clearing, where the ideal pieces of her collection lay scattered like treasures across the Moroccan landscape. Through three months of on-site exploration, with stained hands and blossoming ideas, the “Marrocos” capsule collection began to take shape.
Fabric and adornment details of a Maria Bolelli coat.
The Moroccan motifs of vibrant maximalism complement the lively style of Bolelli’s compositions—a perfect pairing for the fashion matchmaker. Far from understated, each piece overflows with refined color combinations, graced with texture, and invites the eye to seek more.
A select array of velvet-shelled and silk-lined coats hang, each a testament to impeccable taste. Golden and silver cameos, brooches, buttons, pendants, and pins masterfully enhance the visual experience, complementing the vibrant patterns and prints of the fabrics.
T-shirts and tank tops, with their elongated silhouettes (amen!), embrace minimalist elegance, accentuated by the fluid grace of draped beaded cords. Complementing these bright, radiant accessories are delicate beaded bracelets, teardrop-shaped stone pendants, and sphere-embellished necklaces.
Tank tops and t-shirts, beaded cords and metal "buckles".
Knitted net bags, adorned with metallic beads and elegantly suspended from delicate strings, nod to practical elegance. Strands of authentic fibers are interwoven into clutches, each secured with metallic buckles and embellished with vibrant stones. Notably, each features a chrome-carved lighter pouch—an understated nod to a recently made acquaintance’s sage advice on sparking conversations.
Bearing not only beauty and visibly refined craft but also a rare, whimsical quality of transportation, the collection transcends limits of reason. I found myself immersed in a country I have yet to experience firsthand, surrounded by the aesthetic identity of a culture with which I have not yet engaged. The second realm, Maria’s mind, is a sanctuary of perceptive elegance where the delicate interplay of craftsmanship and detail reveals an intimate mastery of fashion.
As echoed in remarks throughout the night, "Marrocos" is a striking reflection of Maria Bolelli’s refined taste—a collection that could only have been brought to life by her unique vision. Squinting with curiosity, peering into the near future, I can scarcely await the full unfolding of Maria's insights.