MORE, say yes to the dress…in Sicily
“More to be more”. This is the philosophy of Morena Fanny Raimondo. Sicilian, designer, dreamer, bridal dresses are her passion. After she received a diploma in Fashion and Knitwear Design at Polimoda in Florence, she achieved her biggest wish: to go back to Palermo and open her own atelier. Sicilian Secrets interviewed her for you.
Born in 1982, Morena Fanny Raimondo lives and works in Palermo. Driven by the idea to propose on the market a new kind of bride far from the common stereotypes, during the years she has never stopped to look towards the South. In this way, MORE, a made in Sicily brand for wedding fashion came about. Only a few days ago she opened a new atelier, her wish became true.
Q: In which way did you start your adventure as a bridal dress designer?
A: Since I was a child, I had a natural instinct for whatever was related to fashion, moreover in my family there was always the background noise of a sewing machine. The specific interest for wedding fashion arrived later, when I had the chance to create my first bridal dress for a friend. Many times, it happens that this is the only high-fashion gown that a woman buys in her life, and the relationship between the designer and the client is special.
Q: Can you tell us something about your new atelier?
A: We just moved from the historical center to the heart of liberty style in Palermo to have a space that is perfect to satisfy our needs. It is a real atelier inspired to the most famous ones of the past, such as the studio of the Fontana’s sisters, but in a contemporary version.
Q: How do the fact that you are Sicilian influence your work and how much of your Sicilian vibes do you put in every collection by MORE?
A: Goethe said that Sicily is the clue to everything. I decided to come back here after many years and maybe for this reason, my eyes were virgin and without any prejudice. Due to my Sicilian stubbornness, I was sure that only Sicily and Palermo were able to give me a lot. Therefore, I thought it was the best moment to give back through my work some beauty and richness that this island donates me every day. I belong to a contaminated nature such as the Sicilian one, so why I chose a plumeria to symbolize my brand, this flower comes from a far land and found its home here. Sicily is not only folklore, is definitely… MORE!
Q: What’s the result you achieved thanks to MORE that makes you extremely proud?
A: Even if my idea of fashion looks at the future, it’s strongly related to atmospheres and vibes from the past as well. For me it was important to find a space that would remember the classic ateliers, some magical places where the made in Italy became great. To have a place like this and also in my city is a dream that comes true. Moreover, I’m very happy because two boutiques, one in Rome and another in London, added my brand in their collections.
Q: What’s the secret to make a bride happy? What generally happens at the atelier?
A: It’s always pretty difficult to convince the mother of any bride, but at the same time these ladies are the nicest. I could tell you many stories about them. The relationship with the brides is something that I cannot describe, it lasts just a few months, but you know you are bringing them to a very important moment. You have to give them self-confidence and make them understand that it’s their personality that turns any dress into something really unique.
Q: Which are your projects for the future?
A: Palermo and Sicily are a starting point, I’m 100% sure that when you want to get something beautiful, home is the best place. But I hope that the future will bring us beyond. MORE’s vocation is not only related to Sicilian style but to a universal elegance. Step by step, because from Italian high fashion I learnt that amazing projects become true without rushing and without a break.
