Serafina Sama has the kind of distinctive style that results in ‘star’ pieces – colourful, instantly recognisable designs that catch the eye of stylists everywhere and end up starring in magazines and Insta feeds galore.
A couple of years back, it was her fuchsia, tomato red and green colour-block blouse from resort 2016 – the most coveted top of the season. This winter, her Molly Ringwald-worthy ‘Bow Wow’ top has been seen on everyone from Dakota Johnson (opposite, centre) to influencer Brittany Xavier. But Sama – Isa Arfen is an anagram of her first name, and a tribute to her grandmother, Isa – is also the kind of person who doesn’t chase these things. She’s more the serene, happy coincidence type, with a sensibility developed during her childhood in Ravenna, Italy. Her mother and two aunts all had flamboyant style that flew in the face of conservative smalltown Italy, while her grandfather had a love of opera and ‘beautiful things’ in general. She came to London to study architecture, then switched to a fashion course at Central Saint Martins. After working at Chloé and freelancing for other brands including Acne, she launched her own label in 2012. Here, Sama tells us about her love of romantic 80s fashion, ruffles and Ravenna…
Your new resort collection is inspired by beach holidays and your hometown. What is it like?
Ravenna is beautiful. It’s near the sea and has wonderful churches with lovely mosaics. Growing up, I had a lot of fun. It felt very safe, but at the same time it felt very small. In those days, in the late 80s, everybody tended to dress the same.
This story is from the January 2019 edition of Marie Claire - UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2019 edition of Marie Claire - UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Uma Thurman
‘I Managed To Stay In The Business That I Love All My Life, And I Know That’s Not A Given. I Can’t Not Feel Lucky About It, No Matter What The Downsides Can Be’.
Pollution Proof Your Life
From your daily commute to your wood-burning stove, you’re unwittingly inhaling a variety of toxic substances. But you can take action to reduce their impact, reveals Claire Thorp.
We Love Lucy
From a star-making turn in Bohemian Rhapsody to a leading role in sassy new Netflix show The Politician, Lucy Boynton is ready for her close-up. Here, she tells Jane Mulkerrins about her life-changing year.
Human Touch
Connecting with others can have a confidence-boosting effect, support skin health and help you live longer. Here’s why the wonders of physical contact really matter...
Facing The Floods
Photographer Gideon Mendel has spent 12 years capturing the extreme rise in flooding across the globe. Here, he tells Marie Claire about the devastating human impact.
'Learn How To Please Yourself First' –and Other Sex Tips From Our Mums
Three mothers and daughters explain how talking openly to each other about sex, identity and pleasure has strengthened their relationship and enriched their love lives
10 Mindful Ways To Approach Health And Well-Being
From cortisol-free fitness to stress-busting diets and calm skin, Fiona Embleton reveals ten mindful ways to approach health and well-being
Why Do We All Hate Talking Money?
From secret savings to hidden debt, cash is still a touchy subject in many relationships.
How To Start Over With Friends
In a society that fetishises friendship groups, what do you do when yours collapses? Three women reveal their own BFF break-ups and how they created a new social circle.
Carrie Fisher Has Survived It All
Global fame as Princess Leia, drugs, alcohol, mental illness, rehab…this actress and writer has survived it all. And now, with the much-anticipated release of a new Star Wars film, she's back.
