Photography by Giovanni Granzella
Just a short walk from the lakeside promenade of Tremezzo, known as “the village of gardens” and listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, stands a white villa with a sober and elegant appearance preceded by a stately entrance and a dramatic staircase. Villa Carlia was built in 1676 by Tommaso De Carli di Volesio from whom it gets its name. Over the centuries the villa has undergone renovations and modifications that have changed its appearance; though its original charm has been retained. When in 2011, Marianne Brandi and her husband first came across this splendid late 17th century building, they were amazed by the beauty of the spacious rooms, the frescoed walls and the splendid views of the bay in front of Tremezzina.
Today, Villa Carlia is not only the couple's residence, but also the place where Marianne devotes her time to La Carlia, a brand of women's clothing and accessories that she founded in 2021. All the pieces are personally designed by the founder, who has over thirty years' experience in fashion and a rare passion for textiles that, over the years, has led her to collect fine fabrics from all over the world. Her main sources of inspiration are the exotic destinations she has encountered on her travels. India, a country she particularly loves, is evoked in the bright colours of the clothes, the refined fabrics, the ethnic jewellery design and, above all, in the care and attention to the artefact as found in the sincerity and virtues of ancient Indian crafting methods. “It is however Italy that is my source of style inspiration: that 'bella figura', the elegance of Italian women and their classic, no-frills approach to dressing”.
Jacquard, silk, merino wool and organic cotton are just some of the fabrics and materials used in the making of La Carlia wear. The jumpers, cardigans and leather bags are entirely made in Italy, as is the small collection called 'Fatto in casa', produced on Lake Como itself. On the other hand, the seasonal collections, as well as the silver gilt jewellery, are manufactured in India. Since 2021 La Carlia products can be purchased from the shop’s website, while the first wholesale collection was launched in summer 2022. Those who wish to explore the varied range in person can travel to Tremezzo where the owner welcomes customers by appointment into the luxurious entrance hall of the villa, which also serves as a showroom.
Although today the brand works with numerous international customers, the showroom and the soul of the brand still very much reside on the shores of Lake Como, where the elegance of the villas and the simplicity of the ancient villages are reflected in the timeless garments designed by Marianne. “I like to think that by choosing a La Carlia garment, with its soft but elegant silhouette, every woman can feel wholly herself. Our sizes are comfortable and we only work with pure organic materials. The look of our garments is simple, without excess, while the personal touch can be added by the choice of accessories”.