Markarian Pre-Fall 2024 Lookbook

Markarian designer Alexandra O'Neill's recent safari to South Africa and Botswana has inspired her latest collection, a whirlwind of flora, fauna, and vibrant colors that embodies the spirit of adventure and exploration.

The trip ignited O'Neill's imagination, transporting her to the lush landscapes and exotic wildlife of Africa. It was during this immersive experience that she was reminded of the work of Henri Rousseau, the French Post-Impressionist painter known for his dreamlike depictions of jungle scenes.

"It made me think of how he painted these quirky jungle landscapes," O'Neill explains. "He painted them even though he had never been out of Paris. When he was painting, he threw together all of these different flora and fauna that didn't actually belong together – flowers from different places of the world and throw them together. It was kind of this quirky take on traveling, but also being an outsider and being out of your comfort zone."

This inspiration is evident throughout the Markarian Pre-fall 2024 collection, where O'Neill seamlessly blends elements of nature and culture, creating a unique and captivating aesthetic. She masterfully juxtaposes tiger print, reminiscent of Rousseau's "Tiger in the Tropical Storm" painting, with safari-inspired embossed crocs. The rich blend of florals, ranging from delicate blossoms to exotic blooms, adds a touch of elegance and vitality.

The color palette reflects the sunrise-to-sunset hues of the African savanna, from warm yellows and oranges to rich blues and greens. These vibrant tones come alive in the signature occasionwear pieces, featuring floral ikat, jacquards, and brocades.

A standout example is the stunning "Apple" dress, crafted from a luxurious yellow brocade with a cascading ruffled skirt. Another show-stopper is the matching "Gita" mini dress, adorned with bow-adorned shoulders and a delicate train.

To further enhance the collection's safari theme, O'Neill collaborated with Michael Putnam, founder of Putnam Florals, to create stunning on-site floral arrangements for the lookbook. These arrangements, inspired by the exotic flora of Africa, add a touch of visual drama and authenticity to the collection.

While the collection's focus is on partywear and event dressing, O'Neill has also incorporated pieces that can be worn during the day. These include a simple white cotton dress, outerwear options like two fluffy tiger-stripe numbers or rounded and cropped croc leather jackets, and mock-neck blouses tucked into high-waist croc-embossed pencil skirts.

Markarian's Pre-fall 2024 collection is a captivating ode to adventure, seamlessly blending the essence of Rousseau's paintings with the vibrancy of African landscapes. It's a collection that encourages women to embrace their inner explorers and embrace the unexpected with style and grace.