Beneath the shimmer of soft lake reflections and the grandeur of historical Italian architecture, fashion met fantasy in an event that will be remembered as one of the most mesmerizing moments of the Milan Fashion Week Studio. From the artistry of Mexican designer Narciza Severa to the futuristic vision of Milan’s own Jenny Di Marco, this year’s presentation at Villa Erba offered a glimpse into fashion’s enchanting future.
I had the rare privilege of sitting down with Jenny Di Marco, the young model-engineer who’s setting new standards in haute couture, along with key designers from the showcase. We talked about dreamscapes, sustainability, the magic of Lake Como, and why intellect and artistry no longer live in separate worlds.
Q: Jenny, the show opened with a stunning vision from Salvatore Pappacena. As you walked in one of his creations, it felt more like a dance than a runway. How did that moment feel for you?
Jenny Di Marco: It was truly surreal. Wearing one of Salvatore’s designs is like stepping into a different realm—graceful, fluid, and full of emotion. The way the fabric moved with me, the lightness, the details—it didn’t feel like I was walking, it felt like I was gliding. There was something almost magical about that moment, where fashion met performance. It’s rare to find designs that don’t just dress the body but connect with the soul. That’s what made it unforgettable.
Q: Salvatore Pappacena’s collection seemed to blur the line between couture and performance art. As someone who understands both aesthetics and structure, what stood out to you most in his work?
Jenny Di Marco: What struck me immediately was the balance—how something so delicate could feel so powerful. The designs weren’t just visually stunning; they were engineered with precision. The layering, the transparency, the way light played through the fabrics—it all created this illusion of weightlessness, while still holding such strong form. You could tell that every stitch was placed with intention. It’s that blend of technical mastery and emotional storytelling that sets his work apart. It speaks to both the eye and the intellect.
Q: Jenny, first of all, let’s talk about the event. Villa Erba was glowing—literally. How did it feel to walk in that setting?
Jenny Di Marco: Magical. Truly. I’ve walked runways in Rome, Milan, even Tokyo, but there’s something ethereal about this place. You’re not just walking on a stage—you’re stepping into a dream. The projections, the music, the reflections on the lake… It felt like I was part of a living fairytale. Narciza Severa’s dresses shimmered with stories. And when you’re wearing something so intricately made, you don’t just model it—you embody it.
Q: Speaking of Narciza Severa, his latest collection was the talk of the evening. You wore one of the standout pieces. What can you tell us about the craftsmanship?
Jenny: Oh, the detailing was divine. Each gown had thousands of hand-sewn gemstones. The embroidery wasn’t just embellishment—it was architecture. You could feel the weight, the labor, the love behind every stitch. What I appreciated most was the way the designs highlighted the strength and soul of a woman, not just her silhouette. It felt like armor disguised as poetry.
Q: Narciza, you’re from Mexico, and yet your work seamlessly fits the European high-fashion narrative. What was your vision for this collection?
Narciza Severa: Thank you. I wanted to bring a fairytale to life, but not the kind you’ve heard before. This is a tale where the princess rescues herself, where dreams are forged from gemstone threads and sleepless nights. Milan is the fashion capital, yes, but Villa Erba gave me the chance to go beyond the runway. I imagined what it would look like if elegance could dance under moonlight—and then I designed it.
Q: Let’s take a step back, Jenny. You have one of the most unique backgrounds in the industry. A Management Engineering degree from Politecnico di Milano? How do those two worlds—math and modeling—coexist in your life?
Jenny: It’s a balancing act, but one I love. Fashion is full of patterns, symmetry, algorithms, whether we see them or not. My studies taught me to analyze structure, flow, optimization. So when I approach fashion, I see not just fabric, but functionality. How can we design better? How do we produce smarter? It’s not about being a model with a degree—it’s about merging disciplines. The future of fashion belongs to the hybrids.
Q: And you’re not just walking the walk—you’re creating spaces for dialogue. Tell us more about your pop-up initiatives.
Jenny: I wanted to give back to the community that shaped me. These pop-ups aren’t just boutiques—they’re micro-hubs. We bring together designers, students, sustainability experts, even tech startups. We showcase clothes, yes, but also ideas. Imagine a space where a recycled silk gown shares the spotlight with a 3D-printed accessory. That’s the future I want. Accessible, collaborative, and deeply intentional.
Q: How does social media play into all this? You have quite the online presence, but you also emphasize “real-world energy.”
Jenny: Social media is a stage, but it’s not the entire theater. It gives us reach, yes, but it can’t replicate the human connection you feel at a show like this. Seeing the shimmer of a dress in person, hearing the gasp of an audience—it’s irreplaceable. I use digital platforms to amplify the work, but the soul of fashion? That lives in physical spaces, in eye contact, in applause.
Q: Let’s talk about Villa Erba again—the same venue where Dior’s Haute Joaillerie launched last year. There seems to be a shared energy between that night and this one. What’s the magic of this place?
Narciza Severa: Villa Erba carries history in its walls. You feel it when you walk its halls. But when you combine that with light projection, couture, and the imagination of artists—it transforms. We projected celestial animations onto the façade of the villa. The dresses seemed to glow from within, like the architecture itself was wearing couture. It was a dream within a dream.
Q: Jenny, what does 2025 look like for you? Modeling, engineering, entrepreneurship—what’s next?
Jenny: I’m diving deeper into innovation. I want to start a think tank at the intersection of fashion and tech. Materials science fascinates me—how can we make couture biodegradable? How can engineering improve inclusivity in fashion? I’m also working on a mentorship program for young girls in STEM and creative fields. Because honestly, being labeled “just a model” is outdated. We’re entering a new era. The future icons are multi-dimensional.
Q: Any advice to young creatives who want to enter the fashion world on their own terms?
Jenny: Yes. Don’t shrink yourself to fit the mold. Expand the mold. Show up as your whole self—your nerdy self, your stylish self, your spiritual self. The industry needs more authenticity, not conformity. And remember: grace and grit go hand in hand.
Final Thoughts
As the stars shimmered above Lake Como and guests clinked glasses under chandeliers, it was clear that this evening was more than a fashion event—it was a statement. A declaration that beauty and brilliance can coexist. That gemstones can be stitched into stories. And that women like Jenny Di Marco are rewriting the narrative of what it means to shine.
In the heart of Italy, surrounded by art, history, and high couture, the future was quietly taking shape—and it looked bold, brilliant, and breathtakingly real.
Credits:-
Fashion Week Studio IG: @fashionweekstudioofficial
CEO: Nathanaelle Hottois IG: @fashionweekstudioofficial
COO: Hayley Jane IG: @hayleyjanesworld
Hair: Lilly Hilt IG: @lillyhilt
Make Up: Make Up Art Academy Paris IG: @makeupartacademyparis
Fashion designer: @salvatore_pappacena_couture @narciza_severa
Photographer: Anna Nowalska @baro_nova
Model: @jenny.di.marco Model agency @jdm.modelsmanagement
Events Organiser: Jeidi Events IG: @jeidievents
Fashion Week Studio Team: Kelly, Sandra, Jeanne, Zoe, Chiara, Alessandra,
