Marcela Preziosi: Weaving Tradition with Innovation in Colombian Fashion

Fashion is an art that speaks a universal language, and few understand this better than Marcela Preziosi. Hailing from the vibrant city of Neiva, Colombia, her journey from a small village to the glittering heights of global fashion is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Now living in Florida and running her own couture brand, Marcela’s designs carry the essence of her Colombian heritage, blended with the elegance and sophistication she’s acquired through years of experience in the fashion capitals of the world.

Crafting a Dream in Colombia
Marcela’s love affair with fashion began in the most unexpected of places—within the walls of a Catholic convent school in southern Colombia. Despite the challenges of a modest upbringing, Marcela discovered her passion for sewing and design under the guidance of nuns who taught her not only the technical skills of stitching but also the art of expressing creativity through fabrics. From embroidery to pattern making, these foundational skills laid the groundwork for what would become her lifelong pursuit of fashion excellence.

By the age of 12, Marcela was already working on gowns for beauty pageants, a deeply ingrained cultural tradition in Latin America. “We created fantasy dresses and long evening gowns for contestants from different cities,” Marcela recalls. Her meticulous attention to detail and mastery of needlework earned her the role of team leader, setting her on the path to becoming a designer with a deep understanding of both the creative and technical aspects of fashion.

A Global Perspective
At the age of 21, Marcela took a bold step toward broadening her horizons by moving to London. While studying English, she continued to explore her passion for design, creating unique pieces for friends and local performers. This exposure to the eclectic fashion scene of London shaped her design aesthetic, blending bold Colombian flair with European refinement.

Marcela’s work soon caught the attention of Gaiden Fashions, a prestigious couture house in London. This opportunity opened doors to the international fashion circuit, including attending runway shows in Paris and Milan. It was during this time that Marcela honed her skills in haute couture, a craft that would later define her eponymous brand.

Marcela Greene: A Brand with a Story
In 2010, after returning to Colombia to care for her mother, Marcela founded her own label, Marcela Greene. Her brand encapsulates the spirit of luxury and exclusivity, with each gown crafted meticulously to reflect the individuality of her clients. When she eventually relocated to Palm Beach, Florida, Marcela opened her flagship store on Worth Avenue, a haven for luxury shoppers. “All of my designs are custom-made, one-of-a-kind gowns,” she explains, adding that the complexity of each piece means it can take anywhere from 15 days to a month to create.

Her designs, known for their intricate detailing and sophisticated silhouettes, have attracted a loyal clientele, ranging from local socialites to international celebrities. Each creation tells a story, one that weaves together the threads of Marcela’s Colombian roots with her global perspective on fashion.

Empowering Colombian Designers with The Backroom Bogota
Despite her global success, Marcela has never forgotten her origins. In 2014, she launched The Backroom Bogota, a concept store in Colombia designed to give emerging Colombian designers a platform to showcase their work. “I really enjoyed this. Each designer had their own space in the store, and many of them have since gone on to become well-known fashion designers,” she shares with pride.

The Backroom Bogota was not just a store; it was a movement. Marcela’s commitment to nurturing new talent helped bring international attention to the Colombian fashion industry, proving that Colombia is a country rich in creative potential.

The Future of Colombian Fashion
As Marcela continues to split her time between her home in Florida and her projects in Colombia, she remains committed to pushing the boundaries of fashion. Through her couture creations and her work with emerging designers, she is helping to shape the future of Colombian fashion on a global scale. Her journey from a small village in Colombia to the luxury shopping streets of Palm Beach is a true inspiration, a reminder that with passion and perseverance, no dream is too big.

Marcela Preziosi represents the heart of Colombian fashion—a blend of tradition, creativity, and innovation that continues to captivate the world.

Exclusive to L’Officiel Colombia, Marcela’s story reminds us that fashion is not just about clothes—it’s about telling stories, creating connections, and celebrating the beauty of individuality.

Team & Fashion Credits

Model: Marcela Preziosi: @lookslikemarcela
Photographer & Creative Direction: Jorge Duva @jorgeduva Hair & Makeup: Kate Kats @katekatsmua
Digital Tech: German Aristizabal: @germanfotolima
Stylist: Marcela Preziosi: @lookslikemarcela
Location: Casa Cipriani New York @casaciprianinyc