“Ladybugs are a recurring theme in my life,” Maracchi says. “They have always brought me luck, so ladybugs were a natural choice for the logo of my line of accessories, which I just launched a few months back. They also played a large part in the name of my brand: Marakita is, in fact, me taking creative license by combining my last name, Maracchi, with the Spanish word for ladybug, which is mariquita. Spain is never far from my thoughts or my heart; it is a place where I’ve developed deep ties, bother personally and professionally.”
What made you decide to devote yourself to creating these bags?
“I’ve always been deeply passionate about accessories, especially ones with a more offbeat and extravagant flair. Much of my professional experience has been working with accessories, with companies that gave me the opportunity to learn everything I could from the ground up, and find out exactly what I wanted to do with my life. If you’re looking to send out a specific message, in my opinion, accessories are the way to do it; with just one or two products, you can get your message out to a vast range of people, young and old alike.”
In your creations, all one-of-a-kind pieces, there’s a certain harkening back through floral motifs and patterns to a world of springtime and environmental sustainability. Tell us, how do you come up with ideas to give life to each individual bag, and where do you find your materials?
“It all begins with the idea of re-use, of giving new life to fabrics and textiles that have already fulfilled their original purpose, such as clothing, sheets, duvet covers and upholstery fabrics. Before starting my line, I was working on a research project that had a profound influence on me. Firsthand, I learned about the importance of hand-woven textiles, the necessity of ethical production practices and the responsibility we all have as consumers not to continue polluting our planet. I knew that anything I produced would have to follow these ethical guidelines. To take it a step further, I opted to focus on the rediscovery of native or indigenous textiles, woven in the Tuscan tradition. In fact, some of the geometric patterns I use are direct descendants of those woven in the Pistoian Mountains, which traditionally have decorated everything from linens and coverlets to bath towels and small rugs. By reimagining these traditional mountain rosettes and geometric patterns for my bags, I’m creating something that entirely modern, fresh and ethically sound. And to round out the collection, I also love including reclaimed silks, linens and fabrics I’ve sourced from around the world.”
You’ve made the bags. Now, how do you build a following?
“In the beginning, word of mouth was essential and quite powerful in putting Marakita on the map. But now, as I continue to grow and cultivate the brand, I’m realizing that trade shows are where I need to be. It’s quite an involved process, I’m finding, involving a lot of research into the nature and scope of each show, and making sure that whatever I do, I stay true to the nature of Marakita. So I’m hoping to find the right marketplace for my line, gain visibility and a customer base, and keep the momentum going from there. I’m not sure if it’s a backlash against consumerism or a deep-held desire to return to our roots, but in Florence, and throughout much of Europe, there seems to be a movement back to objects that are handcrafted, unique and have a direct connection to the earth as well as to our cultures and traditions. So I’m in the midst of creating and hosting events around Florence that marry that sense of returning to tradition with the innovative ideas and techniques of today. My wish is for this business to grow slowly and gradually, almost organically, letting each new day and venture dictate the brand’s scope and objective. That said, I’m always searching out new opportunities and collaborations, and growing my brand internationally.”
So you are now the master of your destiny. Are you happy to have made this decision?
“Every day motivates me more. This is exactly the work and the life I’ve worked towards my entire life. This is what I’ve been looking for. It’s true that the success of this brand depends almost entirely on me, and it’s up to me to forge the right path and make the right connections to get my brand and the vision they represent recognized in the marketplace. I’m always to better myself and challenge myself with every new opportunity. It’s a continual work in progress with ever-deepening roots in my greatest passion in life, and it’s the thing that drives me to keep working and discovering every day.”
www.marakita.com
Photogallery>>
Interview by Federica Faraone
