Meryll Rogge: The Belgian Visionary Steering Marni into Its Next Chapter

This morning, Italian luxury house Marni – part of the OTB Group – officially named Belgian designer Meryll Rogge as its new Creative Director. The appointment follows the recent departure of Francesco Risso, who led the brand for nearly a decade. Rogge’s arrival signals a bold new era for the fashion house known for its daring prints, artistic vision, and eclectic spirit.

Who is Meryll Rogge?

Born in Ghent in 1984, Meryll Rogge is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, one of the world’s most respected fashion schools. Her early career included an impactful seven-year tenure at Marc Jacobs in New York, where she mastered the art of American luxury with a playful twist. In 2014, she returned to Belgium to become Head of Women’s Design at Dries Van Noten, further refining her eye for colour, silhouette and narrative-driven fashion.

In 2020, she launched her eponymous label, showcasing inventive knitwear, nostalgic tailoring and a quirky-yet-wearable aesthetic. Despite launching during the pandemic, her collections garnered industry praise and placed her firmly on the radar of global fashion tastemakers.

A Decorated Talent

Rogge’s ascent has been steady and impressive. She was named Designer of the Year at the Belgian Fashion Awards in 2024 and has been a finalist for the LVMH Prize, Woolmark Prize, and the ANDAM Fashion Award. Most recently, she won the prestigious ANDAM Grand Prize in 2025, securing €300,000 in funding and a mentorship from Balenciaga CEO Cédric Charbit.

These accolades reflect not only her talent but her ability to resonate with both critics and consumers – a key strength she now brings to Marni.

What She Brings to Marni

Meryll Rogge’s creative DNA makes her a fitting successor at Marni. Her flair for bold hues, unexpected combinations, and subversive femininity echoes the brand’s original spirit under founder Consuelo Castiglioni. At the same time, her grounding in commercially successful houses like Marc Jacobs and Dries Van Noten gives her the tools to scale Marni’s relevance globally.

As OTB chairman Renzo Rosso noted, Rogge has a “strong creative identity” and the vision to “interpret the DNA of a brand while making it evolve into a global business.” Importantly, she also restores a female perspective to Marni’s leadership – a nod to the house’s origins.

A New Chapter Begins

Meryll Rogge steps into her new role at a transformative time. With her at the creative helm, Marni is poised to refine its aesthetic, deepen its narrative, and reassert itself as a leader in avant-garde yet wearable fashion. From colourful knits to imaginative tailoring, the fashion world can expect a new wave of artistic exploration.

Rogge’s appointment is more than just a change in leadership – it’s a statement. Marni is doubling down on creativity, authenticity and bold design. And with Meryll Rogge guiding the way, the brand’s future looks brighter – and braver – than ever.

Topics