Italian Fashion: Marilu Fernandez Coral Couture

Marilu Fernandez, Coral Designer

While traveling through Sicily, I had the honor of meeting the creativity and brains behind Marilu Fernandez, a coral design firm that is taking the European accessories industry by storm. I was introduced to the dynamic mother and son duo in their Palermo showroom for a preview party. She is a woman of elegance and refinement, but devoid of the pretentious air that often succeeds. I was circled around the showroom, where we paused at each piece and Gabriele explained, with extensive knowledge, the origin of every stone and the significance of the design. Their excitement and passion for the collection is contagious. True originality is difficult to come by, yet you will easily be surprised and charmed by Marilu's creations.

Marilu cleverly pairs coral, in its natural form, with precious stones and gold, silver, or bronze. Her whimsical and ethereal designs are inspired by ancient Egyptian jewelry. She has this rare talent with design that allows her to create jewelry that is regal and dramatic, yet maintains the organic nature of the coral.

Marilu Fernandez collection is a family affair first and a business second. Nearly 30 years ago, the company was born in Palermo, Italy. Gabriele, a true gentlemen and hilarious to boot, is the only son of the Fernandez family, and resides in the fashion capital of Italy, Milan, to run the family business. In 2007, he will meet with buyers from top department stores and boutiques in New York City, Dubai, Beirut, and San Paolo. His longtime girlfriend often models for the collection.

Marilu Fernandez first exhibited in Milan in 1985 at the "Galleria Meravigli." Her work has been showcased in galleries and museums in London, Brussels, Rome, Paris, Kiev, Bologna, Turin, Florence, Treviso, and Strausborg. In 1991, she was invited to the Museum of Oceanography in Montecarlo. One of her creations was even featured on the postage stamp of Monaco. Currently, a 5 star hotel has commissioned fine dishes with the trademark coral. And the most highly coveted necklace has made appearance in an Italian movie. While the collection is quickly making its mark on the world, it will always have a small distribution, due to the rarity of the materials and the extensive time that goes into creating each piece of jewelry.

Marilu Fernandez creations are heirlooms that will be passed down from generation to generation. The pieces are directional, and the finished product is true quality, something that never goes out of style.

Mariliu Fernandez's collection is the ultimate in luxury: coral couture that can be worn for an entire lifetime. The necklaces can transform a woman of any age into a showstopper and has already built a reputation as the highest quality coral jewelry among the elite Jet Set. The 2007 collection is the best yet.

By Meredith Paslawsky