When Italian fashion designer Marianna Rosati started DROMe in 2008, the fashion landscape was a dramatically different place. Sustainability wasn’t as much of a priority, there were a lot less brands, and influencers weren’t even a thing. Rosati was raised in the world of fashion—her father Ferrero Rosati ran the family’s leather mill, producing leather for luxury labels like Prada, Jil Sander, and Gucci. So, when it came time for Rosati to choose a career path, it made sense that she would go into fashion design. Rosati build DROMe slowly, first instilling it as, according to the brand’s website, “An urban collection of evening and daywear with a minimal approach and a strong sophisticated style that fuses leather and fabrics with elaborate details. A contrast between a new romantic feminine feel and a minimal masculine attitude.” Since its beginnings a decade ago, DROMe has opened its first flagship store in Milan, and its buttery-soft leather looks have attracted a strong celebrity following, with Ariana Grande, Cardi B, Priyanka Chopra, Janelle Monae, Kourtney Kardashian, and more spotted wearing DROMe.
For DROMe’s spring/summer 2020 10th Anniversary collection, Rosati produced 37 looks inspired by the vibrant interiors of the ‘70s and ‘80s, places inhabited by a woman who embodies, according to the show notes, “Elvira Hancock, Michelle Pfeiffer’s iconic character in Scarface — a strong, enigmatic woman unafraid to be bold.” Soft, orange leather skirts emerged from the runway, along with confident, slouchy suits and soft, sensual silk looks. Rosati used zebra print to add a bit of edge to the collection. I quizzed Rosati before DROMe’s spring/summer 2020 runway show in Milan to ask her about the evolution of the brand, her biggest challenges, and what’s next for DROMe.
How did your family’s background in leather prepare you for starting your own brand?
I grew up learning about leather and fashion, but aside from that, my family mostly gave me the strength to learn how important it is to express yourself and your feelings without any pressure from external forces.
How has the fashion industry changed since you started the brand a decade ago?
The industry has changed massively in the last 10 years. It has become even more fast-paced than ever before, and clothing just comes and goes season after season. There’s no room for mistakes, and brands need to create a real identity that won’t be forgotten outside of social media. Projects and collections need to have real brand values and connect with audiences both in-stores and online.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere. Mostly from people, photographers, art, dance, theater, movies and beyond. I try to always carefully look around, listen and observe. I think that a creative mind never really sleeps. It is constantly looking for something to fall in love with.
Describe the woman who wears DROMe.
The DROMe woman is a strong passionate woman. She is sensual in her minimalism and her twisted elegance. She wants to be noticed for her sophisticated attitude. She is never too feminine or too romantic. She has a darker side to her personality that makes her more human, more raw, and more wild.
What have been your biggest challenges since starting DROMe?
To not get lost in the drama of the fashion world! It is very important to maintain the identity and to push it forward season after season while maintaining the feel and DNA of the brand.
What are your fondest memories since starting the brand?
Designing our very first collections. My small team and I basically did everything from packing shipments to designing, and much more. This is how a small dream turns into an incredible reality. The same team is still working with me after 10 years! I’ll always be grateful to all the people that supported me back then and still do today.
Where does DROMe procure its leather and wool?
We mostly procure them from Italy and Spain.
How does DROMe tackle the issues with sustainability?
We only work with leather that comes from the food chain and we only work with tanneries are constantly trying to improve the tanning process in order to make it more sustainable.
How are you gearing up for your 10th anniversary show?
I‘m very excited and emotional about it ! I’m trying to be calm and enjoy the moment. It is DROMe’s debut on the official Milan Fashion Week calendar, so I’m obviously over the moon!
What would you like to see in the next decade of DROMe?
I hope the brand will continue to evolve and become a true legacy. That’s our main goal for the next decade.
