Meryll Rogge Leads Marni Into a Bold New Era

Meryll Rogge was born in Ghent, Belgium, and is a celebrated alumna of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. Her interest in art and design emerged early. After graduating, Rogge moved to New York City to join Marc Jacobs as a women’s designer, spending seven years absorbing the eclectic creative energy of the studio. It was there that she learned the power of surprise and refined her sense of color.

After New York, Rogge returned to Belgium and became Head of Women’s Design at Dries Van Noten, where she also led conceptual development of the brand’s beauty collection. Working directly with Dries, Rogge developed an appreciation for technical innovation and poetic storytelling.

Launch of Her Own Label

In 2020, Rogge founded her own womenswear brand, quickly gaining recognition for collections defined by upcycled material, reconstructed silhouettes, and a cerebral mix of romanticism and rebellion. Her influences range from the surreal tones of Salvador Dali’s birthplace to playful Americana. Rogge’s work rapidly attracted critical acclaim and prizes, making her a major name in the European fashion scene.

Her self-labeled brand became a finalist for both the LVMH Prize and the Woolmark Prize. She was also recognized by the industry’s top purveyors for her innovative approach.

Recognition and Impact

Rogge has received several major awards for her creative leadership. She was named Emerging Talent of the Year at the Belgian Fashion Awards in 2021, followed by Designer of the Year in 2024, making history as the first woman to win the title. In July 2025, she won the prestigious ANDAM Grand Prize, securing a 300,000 euro grant and a year-long mentorship under Sidney Toledano.

Appointment at Marni

In July 2025, the Italian house Marni, owned by Only The Brave (OTB) Group, announced Rogge as its new creative director, following the departure of Francesco Risso who had led the brand since 2016. Rogge thus became the sole female creative director among OTB’s portfolio of brands, a striking achievement in a field still marked by gender disparities.

“We met many highly qualified candidates, confirming how Marni continues to inspire and attract creatives from around the world. Meryll impressed us with the sensitivity she brought to reinterpreting the brand’s DNA, offering a contemporary vision that embraces Marni globally and across all its dimensions — including accessories, interior design, communication, and special projects,” adds OTB founder and chairman Renzo Rosso. “I wish her the best in carrying this vision forward with passion, supported by a team and a group that have always placed creativity at the core of their identity.”

“I’m truly honored to join Marni — a house I’ve long admired for its independent spirit. To take on a role defined by such visionary creative directors is both humbling and inspiring. I’m deeply grateful to Renzo and Stefano for recognising the resonance between our worlds and for entrusting me with this extraordinary opportunity. I look forward to helping shape what comes next for Marni.”

Creative Vision and Early Moves

Rogge’s selection signals a creative reboot at Marni and a broader OTB shakeup across its brands. She immediately set to work preparing her first collection, slated for debut at Milan Fashion Week in February 2026. Early statements and interviews emphasized her commitment to playfulness, feminine eccentricity, and new forms of sustainability rooted in Marni’s artisan spirit. Rogge seeks to amplify the brand’s global identity, revitalizing its communication, accessories, and even home projects.

Recent News and Outlook

Since her appointment, Rogge has received universal commendations from European fashion press for her thoughtful approach and sensitivity to Marni’s free-spirited DNA. With recent moves—including a collaborative accessories capsule and new artist partnerships—Rogge is expected to move Marni toward fresh territory, merging expressive color with modern volume and structural experimentation.

Table: Milestones and Achievements

With a legacy already building around subversive tailoring, upcycled craft, and bold vision, Meryll Rogge’s new creative leadership at Marni marks a pivotal moment. Her journey elevates not only Marni’s future, but amplifies female representation at the highest levels of luxury fashion.