Maria Francesca Pepe: Pure London Avant-Garde

published in: Accessories, 09 May 2012

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Silky Double Rope Necklace & Varnished Pendant

Statement avant-garde jewellery has become somewhat of a 'must' for fashion aficionados worldwide. All you have to do is browse through the many street-style blogs, especially during fashion weeks, and you'll get the gist. Enter Maria Francesca Pepe with her breathtaking, goth-inspired jewellery that have taken both fashion editorials and celebrities by storm (don't miss our interview with MFP at the bottom of the page!).

Maria Francesca Pepe

The 33-year-old Italian-born and London-based Pepe has within a few years of having started her own eponymous label, not only tripled her turnover, but also see her line being worn by some of the most famous people on this planet. Her most recent celebrity dressings alone include the likes of Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Florence & The Machine, Sienna Miller, Fergie (Black Eyed Peas), Sarah Jessica Parker and the list goes on and on. Her jewellery has also adorned fashion bible such as Vogue (Paris, Italy, US, UK, Germany, India, Russia), Harpers Bazaar (UK, Russia), Elle (Italy, US), V Magazine, W, Purple Mag,
Self Service, Grazia (UK, France), L’Officiel, InStyle UK, Teen Vogue, Glamour(UK, Italy), need I carry on?

Famous clients include Lady Gaga (L) and Rihanna (R)

At first, Maria Francesca studied literature and philosophy at the Universita’ Statale, but with fashion being her main interest she went on to complete her Fashion Design BA at the Marangoni Institute. After a two-year stint as a freelance print and fashion designer in Milano for brands such as Blumarine, Luciano Soprani and Kookai, Maria earned her Masters Degree in Womenwear from the prestigious Central Saint Martins. Her show of her final collection at London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2008 was greatly received, winning awards and support including (deep breath!): British Fashion Awards - Nomination For Swarovski Emerging Talent In Accessories 2009, Vogue Talents (Vogue Italia And The Corner.Com), New Gen and Topshop Sponsorship, Fashion East Sponsorship, White Club Sponsorship (White Trade Show, Milano), Argos Hippium Award (Italy), and Tannan Fashion Award (Japan).

MFP Autumn/Winter 2012-13

Amidst her success, Pepe started her eponymous jewellery line MFP.  MFP's "Jewellery-Wear" is a new concept for Fashion Jewellery. Bold and classic at the same time MFP creations mix the past and the future with impeccable taste, representing the tradition of art craft with a postmodern approach, which is far from the obvious. The collection is entirely realised by Italian artisans and small factories, but the inspiration is pure London avant-garde. Traditional jewellery and pop symbols are distorted and reinterpreted in their forms and meanings, to be conceived as amulets that convey inner strength and beauty. MFP’s ideal customer desires high quality, handcrafted pieces with an edge.

MFP Autumn/Winter 2012-13

Maria Francesca Pepe took some time out of her ever-busy schedule and granted Fashion-Pixel.com an interview. Take a look into MFP's private style, fashion fetishes and what was her most recent addition to her wardrobe:

Fashion-Pixel: What is your personal style when it comes to dressing?

Maria Francesca Pepe: Black. Layers. Lots of jewellery. Rock&roll.

F-P: What is your favourite colour?

MFP: Black.

F-P: Which designer do you admire?

MFP: Raf Simmons, Yohji Yamamoto, Martin Margiela, Rei Kawakubo, Karl Lagerfeld, Riccardo Tisci.

F-P: Do you have a piece of jewellery that means a lot to you? What is it? If you want, tell us why is it so important to you? 

MFP: My mum passed me a diamond encrusted Buccellati cross which belonged to her grandma.  I treasure it not only for its commercial value but mainly cause my mum gave it to me after we came out from one of the most difficult time of our life as a as a family, and for me it symbolise the faith and the hope. I believe in life we always need something that reminds us of bad and good times and give us strength to move on. And I think jewellery has that quality to be that symbol you can keep with you forever and pass to your dearest.

MFP Autumn/Winter 2012-13

F-P:What are you going to buy next for your wardrobe? Where from?

MFP: Just bought shoes by Trippen, they are so comfy and cool. All hand-made. Not sure what the next treat will be…I tend to buy quit compulsory so I don’t really plan it..

F-P: What is your favourite outfit?

MFP: Black leggings, long black oversize tanktop, lace bra, Underground shoes, black leather biker jacket, lots of rings.

F-P: Do you usually buy clothes from your trips abroad?

MFP: Only when I go to US. 

F-P: What piece would you place in a fashion museum?

MFP: One of my lookbooks' images.

Adjustable Ade Ring With Big Cross Charm

F-P: What is a key item that all wardrobes should have?

MFP: A leather ‘80s biker jacket.

F-P:Would you like to live in another era?

MFP: In the 1980s or in the 1920.

F-P: What inspires you?

MFP: People, music, hardware tools, dreams.

F-P: What is your favourite material to use?

MFP: Brass.

Studded Cuff With Swarovski Crystals And Pearls

F-P: What is your fashion fetish?

MFP: Velvet Laboutin shoes I only wear in bed.

F-P: What is your latest fashion obsession?

MFP: I don’t have only one…

F-P: How do you determine what is chic?

MFP: There is no rule, but quality makes the difference, and the way you style it.

F-P: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

MFP: I never go out without wearing at least 1 piece of jewellery!

Ring With Studded Swarovski Crystal and Spikes

To buy Maria Francesca's Jewellery you can click here. 

All images courtesy of Maria Francesca Pepe©

Bangles With Swarovski Crystal Encrusted Studs