Marchesa’s Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman have been spending time on the trunk show circuit. “We’re really focusing on our customer, how we can meet her needs,” said Craig at the duo’s showroom. Added Chapman, “When it comes down to it, she really wants special things.”

For Pre-Fall, specialness came in the form of embroideries inspired by the Byzantine era, such as a bell-sleeve cocktail dress illustrated all over with vines of tiny silver sequins, or a navy lace frock with two layers of embellishments on the skirt for a shadow effect. Vines of 3-D sequin roses climbed up the shoulders of a black shift dress, and a black peasant top was detailed with gold floral motifs. The showstopper, though, was the berry-colored organza gown with an ultralow V-neck and a skirt made of Marchesa’s signature confectionery ruffles. It was a belle-of-the-ball kind of moment, and certainly one of those “special things” Craig and Chapman know their clients are after.