Hand painted clothes are every true fashionista’s dream, because they’re unique and cannot be reproduced. That’s why, if you’re in Milan, you must check out the ultra-chic creations of Milanese designer Francesca Levi. Or, as she herself defines them, “wearable art”.
For over twenty years, designer and artist Francesca Levi has been close to the world of fashion. It all began when she decided to hand paint her own interpretation of Andy Warhol’s famous Marilyn Monroe, using Hermès’ legendary Kelly bag as her “canvas”. It was an instant success, with many Milanese women asking to buy this little masterpiece that combined art and fashion.
A few years later, Francesca decided to extend her creative idea to clothing as well. Once again, it was a success. Imagine owning hand painted clothes, unique and unrepeatable, the result of years of research in both fabrics and painting techniques. These pieces are not just clothes, but true works of art. And it’s unsurprising, given that art runs in the family (her mother was renowned artist Fulvia Levi Bianchi).
And now let’s talk about some pieces from Francesca Levi Design’s latest collection. If you love robe-manteau coats, you won’t resist the series that she created using a traditional Indian quilted and stitched fabric called Kantha, which results from layering old saris and cotton fabrics and embroidering them with a simple running stitch to create motifs of flowers, animals and scenes from everyday life. And this is where the magic happens, because Francesca personalises these robe-manteau coats with silk edgings, silk sleeves and cuffs, embellished with hand painted details and gold leaf inserts. A matching silk scarf completes the look.
These beautiful coats also come in velvet, and in these case she added hand painted epaulettes and decorated slits that echo the patterns of the fabric. The cuffs are hand painted and then embellished with Venetian Murrina (a classic technique from the glassmaking tradition of Murano ‒ the home of blown glass in the Venetian lagoon ‒ consisting in creating intricate patterns by layering and fusing together small pieces of coloured glass).
If you want something ultra-chic and warm when the temperature drops, you can opt for the evening long down coats from her collection, which Francesca created when she realised that she couldn’t find anything interesting and “fun” for going out in the evening: these down coats in windproof microfibre covered with iridescent silk are reversible and have hand painted sleeves. They are warm yet lightweight and perfect for a glamorous evening. Some of the colour combinations you can choose from? Blue and emerald green, burgundy with bright olive sleeves and dark grey inside, coral red with purple sleeves, and much more.
The suede skirts and waistcoats of her new collection are also lovely. Francesca uses this material as a canvas for adding geometric designs in various colours, inspired by abstract paintings she created several years ago.
But this is not all, because you’ll also discover a wrap skirt in Kantha fabric, with metal chain appliqués and the designer’s signature hand painted decorations.
You may be wondering: what will happen to my garment when I wash it? Don’t worry: just take it to the dry cleaner’s and ask for eco-friendly washing. These clothes are decorated with special paints and then placed in particular ovens so that the colours can penetrate deep into the fabric thanks to the ultra-high temperatures.
Each garment is unique and comes with production number and washing instructions.
If you’d like to discover Francesca’s collection of artistic hand painted clothes, you can book a visit to her showroom in Milan’s city centre, and even order a garment made especially for you.
A few words about Francesca Levi
Francesca’s mother was Fulvia Levi Bianchi ‒ an Italian painter, sculptor and designer who exhibited her works at the Alexander Iolas Art Gallery in New York alongside Andy Warhol.
As a result, Francesca grew up surrounded by the artists and intellectuals who frequented her parents’ home. Gifted with great artistic talent, she studied at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, then at the Faculty of Architecture and finally at the Polytechnic School of Design where she graduated.
After moving to Brazil with her husband, she created a collection of jewellery in gold and semi-precious stones.
When she returned to Italy, she began designing custom-made furniture and unique pieces (coffee tables, dining tables, armchairs, lamps). A few years later, she embarked on her adventure in the world of fashion, creating hand painted clothes for selected customers.
Francesca Levi Design
Via Mercalli 7, Milan (by appointment only)
For contacts and appointments send an email to:
francesca@leviloft.it
or
grassimariella914@gmail.com
This post was all about the hand painted clothes created by Francesca Levi Design in Milan.