Georgina Chapman’s life and career have been marked by both immense talent and intense public scrutiny.
Best known as a co-founder of the luxury fashion brand Marchesa and a judge on Project Runway All Stars, Chapman was married to disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein from 2007 to 2021. She officially left him in 2017 after reports began to surface that he had sexually abused more than 80 women.
Georgina Chapman stuns in a sheer black embellished gown while attending the Positive Planet Foundation Dinner with then-husband Harvey Weinstein during the 70th Cannes Film Festival on May 24, 2017 (Credit: INSTARimages)
“My heart breaks for all the women who have suffered tremendous pain because of these unforgivable actions,” Chapman wrote during a public statement at the time. “I have chosen to leave my husband. Caring for my young children is my first priority and I ask the media for privacy at this time.”
Chapman, who co-founded the luxury women’s fashion brand Marchesa in 2004, was absent during her ex-husband’s trial and subsequent conviction.
Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig celebrate their Marchesa brand at Bergdorf Goodman, with Chapman turning heads in feather-embellished white tulle and black ankle-strap Christian Louboutin heels (Credit: ACE / INFphoto)
The fashion designer was mum about the whole ordeal until May 2018, when she finally spoke with Vogue in a much–anticipated interview. In light of the scandal, she even chose to pull all Marchesa looks off the red carpet and cancel the brand’s fashion shows.
“I was so humiliated and so broken that I… I didn’t think it was respectful to go out,” Chapman admitted during the Vogue interview. “I thought, ‘Who am I to be parading around with all of this going on?’”
Georgina Chapman keeps it beach-chic in a vibrant printed Gucci dress and gold flip-flop sandals while seated with Harvey Weinstein at a sunny outdoor event (Credit: INFGoff)
There was a part of me that was terribly naïve – clearly, so naïve,” the womenswear designer wept. “I have moments of rage, I have moments of confusion, I have moments of disbelief! And I have moments when I just cry for my children. What are their lives going to be? What are people going to say to them? It’s like, they love their dad. They love him. I just can’t bear it for them.”
Fortunately, Georgina Chapman seems to have healed a bit since that Vogue interview in 2018, in which she revealed that she has been in therapy to cope with such a traumatic event.
Chapman has gone public with her new beau, none other than actor Adrien Brody.
Academy Award winner Adrien Brody and Marchesa co-founder Georgina Chapman made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival, with Chapman stunning in a black lace gown adorned with vibrant blue floral embroidery (Credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock)
Georgina Chapman Finds Love Again: Her Relationship With Adrien Brody
Adrien Brody is well-known for keeping his private life private, so it makes sense that the Midnight in Paris actor would be a good match for Georgina Chapman, who has spent most of the last five years in hiding.
Unfortunately, this also means we don’t know all the details about this couple’s relationship.
Adrien Brody and Georgina Chapman share a rare public kiss at The French Dispatch premiere during the 74th Cannes Film Festival on July 12, 2021, with Chapman turning heads in a sheer black floral-embellished gown adorned with delicate 3D appliqués (Credit: David Niviere / ABACA / INSTARimages)
Going Public: Their Red Carpet Debut and Beyond
Rumors began floating around of a budding romance between Georgina Chapman (then 44 years old) and Adrien Brody (then 47) in February 2020 when the pair were spotted at a gorgeous candlelit dinner alongside a few mutual friends.
Despite not being a one-on-one date, Chapman and Brody appeared to have eyes only for one another, though they did not display any over-the-top PDA.
As expected, we didn’t hear much about the two until a year later, in 2021, when the couple finally went public at the Tribeca Film Festival in June.
Adrien Brody and Georgina Chapman made their red carpet debut as a couple at the Clean premiere during the Tribeca Film Festival on June 19, 2021, with Chapman stunning in a floral-embroidered sheer lace dress paired with gold platform heels (Credit: Lev Radin / Shutterstock)
Brody’s Film Premiere: A Big Night for Both
That year, Adrien Brody appeared in one of the festival’s premieres as the star of Clean, directed by Paul Solet. Brody wore many hats for Clean, as he co-wrote the script while also serving as a producer and composer.
This was a massive accomplishment for Adrien Brody, who has always been deeply connected to music in film.
Though he is an accomplished musician and actor in his own right – he even spent months learning to play classical scores by Frederic Chopin for his role in The Pianist – and has served as a composer on other films, such as Stone Barn Castle, Clean is his first major writing credit.
Adrien Brody as a garbage truck driver in the 2021 action thriller film Clean, directed by Paul Solet (Credit: IFC Films)
Of course, for such a momentous occasion, even the (understandably) reclusive Georgina Chapman would show up to support her partner! We’re glad she did, as the pair looked every inch the glamorous duo as they strode down the red carpet, arms linked.
Since then, the couple seems to have emerged from their shared shell, appearing at the 2021 Met Gala and the premiere of Brody’s film, Blonde.
Adrien Brody and Georgina Chapman share a joyful moment at the Los Angeles premiere of Blonde on September 14, 2022, with Chapman glowing in a satin emerald green off-the-shoulder gown paired with embellished black ankle-strap heels and a sparkling clutch (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Since neither Brody nor Chapman has made any notable comments about one another (yet!), it is impossible to know all of the aww-worthy details about their relationship. One adorable thing we know about the couple is that they share the same birthday – April 14!
Marchesa’s Resurgence: How Georgina Chapman Rebuilt Her Fashion Empire
Understandably, both Georgina Chapman and the fashion label she co-founded, Marchesa, were under fire as a result of her ex-husband’s unconscionable crimes.
Before 2017, when Harvey Weinstein’s victims were finally truly heard, Marchesa had been a fashion force to be reckoned with. Marchesa gowns frequently appeared on red carpets and wedding aisles alike. However, the story behind these fairytale-inspired dresses may have been dark.
Marchesa co-founders Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman dazzle in coordinating pastel-toned, intricately embellished dresses at the CFDA Awards Winners Walk hosted by Swarovski in New York City on June 6, 2016, with Chapman turning heads in a feathered and sequined sheer gown paired with metallic heels (Credit: Jennifer Graylock / INFphoto)
Marchesa’s Weinstein Fallout: A Brand Under Fire
According to several Hollywood stylists and publicists, Harvey Weinstein frequently ordered actresses such as Felicity Huffman and Jennifer Aniston to wear Marchesa gowns to red carpet events. Weinstein threatened to pull funding for their upcoming film projects if they refused.
“He was the mastermind behind Marchesa – orchestrating deals and using his influence in terms of the celebrity connections for her on behalf of the brand,” one fashion publicist told THR, noting that Chapman may not have been completely unaware of her ex-husband’s unforgivable actions. “They both benefitted from the relationship, but she certainly knew about his bad behavior.”
The Turning Point: Scarlett Johansson’s Bold Fashion Choice
Though Chapman initially refused to dress any stars in Marchesa, actress Scarlett Johansson stepped into the 2018 Met Gala wearing the brand.
Scarlett Johansson turned heads in a romantic off-the-shoulder burgundy-to-blush ombré Marchesa gown adorned with floral appliqués at the 2018 Met Gala on May 7 (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
“I wore Marchesa because their clothes make women feel confident and beautiful, and it is my pleasure to support a brand created by two incredibly talented and important female designers,” Johansson said in a statement released at the time, after the actress received criticism for wearing a Marchesa dress.
Even Anna Wintour, the legendary Vogue magazine editor, defended Chapman, saying that it was one of her favorite gowns at the event.
Anna Wintour and Georgina Chapman attend Britain’s Great Campaign launch in New York City on February 15, 2012, with Chapman exuding elegance in an ivory embroidered jacket featuring structured floral detailing (Credit: Jennifer Graylock / INFevents)
“Georgina is a brilliant designer and I don’t think she should be blamed for her husband’s behavior,” Wintour said during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. “I think it was a great gesture of support on Scarlett’s part to wear a dress like that – a beautiful dress like that – on such a public occasion.”
Marchesa’s Red Carpet Comeback
Since then, Marchesa gowns have been spotted on the red carpet once again. This year alone, Marchesa has appeared at two major red carpet events: on Amy Forsyth at the Academy Awards and on Chelsea Handler at the Grammy Awards.
Georgina Chapman exudes glamour in a one-shoulder black embellished gown with fringe detailing and floral embroidery, paired with peep-toe heels, at the 2022 Golden Heart Awards in New York City on October 16, 2022 (Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
Though Marchesa suffered a serious hit after Harvey Weinstein’s crimes came to light, the fashion brand continues to produce exactly what the brand is known for: beautiful, breathtaking gowns.
Scroll down to see celebrities wearing dresses and footwear by Marchesa, an American brand specializing in high-end womenswear based in New York City.
Georgina Chapman (right) and Keren Craig, co-founders of the American luxury fashion brand Marchesa, pose together in richly embroidered looks that showcase the label’s signature opulence and romantic craftsmanship, founded in 2004 (Credit: Jeff Grossman / WENN)
Key Facts About Marchesa
What does Marchesa mean? | Marchesa is an Italian noblewoman ranking above a countess and below a princess. |
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What is Marchesa Notte? | Marchesa Notte is a diffusion line of the high-end womenswear brand Marchesa, founded in 2004 by designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig. Launched in 2006, Marchesa Notte offers more accessible and contemporary designs compared to Marchesa’s couture collection, focusing on eveningwear and special occasion dresses. |
Who owns Marchesa ? | It is privately owned by founders Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig. |
Who is Marchesa named after? | The brand is named after Luisa, Marchesa Casati Stampa di Soncino (23 January 1881 – 1 June 1957), an Italian heiress, muse, and patroness of the arts in early 20th-century Europe. |
How to pronounce Marchesa | It is pronounced Mar-kay-sah |
Where to buy Marchesa | You can buy Marchesa bags, bridal dresses, wedding gowns, perfume, jewelry, and shoes on Amazon, Farfetch, and Nordstrom. |
How did Marchesa start? | The high-end fashion label was founded in 2004 by Swiss-born British fashion designer Keren Craig and Harvey Weinstein's ex-wife Georgina Rose Chapman. |
Celebrities Who Shine in Marchesa: Unforgettable Red Carpet Looks
Marchesa has long been a celebrity favorite for its intricate designs and romantic aesthetics. Here are some of the most memorable red carpet moments featuring Marchesa:
Leslie Mann’s Flirty Marchesa Look at the ‘How to Be Single’ Premiere
- Event: ‘How to Be Single’ Premiere, New York City, February 2016
- Outfit: Leslie Mann dazzled in a high-necked Marchesa dress featuring a black Chantilly lace bodice and a pink feathery skirt from the Spring 2016 line.
- Footwear: She completed her look with black satin Christian Louboutin ‘Gardnera’ sandals, adding a touch of elegance to her ensemble.
- Read more: Leslie Mann’s Stunning Marchesa Look and Iconic Louboutin Sandals
Olivia Culpo’s Vintage Glamour in Custom Marchesa at the 2017 Oscars
- Event: 89th Academy Awards, Los Angeles, February 2017
- Outfit: Olivia Culpo turned heads in a custom Marchesa gown featuring a plunging neckline, intricate beading, and fringe details, complemented by a black ribbon accent.
- Footwear: She paired the gown with silver heels and a sparkling black clutch, enhancing the vintage glamour of her look.
- Read more: Olivia Culpo’s Charity-Focused Red Carpet Look
Elizabeth Banks’ Romantic Marchesa Gown at the Venice Film Festival
- Event: ‘A Bigger Splash’ Premiere, Venice Film Festival, September 2015
- Outfit: Elizabeth Banks looked sensational in a form-fitting lace gown from Marchesa’s Resort 2016 collection, featuring floral appliqués and a plunging neckline.
- Footwear: She styled the dress with nude Jimmy Choo ‘Fenzy’ sandals, adding a delicate touch to her ensemble.
- Read more: Elizabeth Banks Dazzles in Marchesa and Jimmy Choo at Venice
Isaac Mizrahi, LaLa Anthony, and Georgina Chapman at the premiere of Project Runway Allstars at Nine West in New York City on October 25, 2012 (Credit: Kyle Blair / WENN)
Katie Holmes’ Beaded Marchesa Dress at the Go Red for Women Show
- Event: Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Runway Show, New York City, February 2017
- Outfit: Katie Holmes shone in an intricately beaded fringe dress from Marchesa’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection, showcasing her appreciation for craftsmanship.
- Footwear: She complemented the gown with metallic sandals, perfectly matching the gown’s elegance.
- Read more: Katie Holmes’ Glamorous Red Dress Look: Metallic Sandals Steal the Show
Mckenna Grace’s Stunning Red Marchesa Gown at the ‘Ghostbusters’ Premiere
- Event: ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ Premiere, New York City, March 2024
- Outfit: Mckenna Grace led the glamour in a strapless red Marchesa gown, marking her evolution into a fashion-forward young actress.
- Footwear: She paired the gown with matching red heels, completing her sophisticated red carpet look.
- Read more: Mckenna Grace’s Stunning Red Carpet Moment
These moments highlight Marchesa’s enduring appeal among Hollywood’s elite, offering designs that range from bold statements to elegant classics.