"When Alexandra O'Neill, the founder and designer behind the NYC-based fashion line Markarian (she dressed former First Lady Jill Biden for her husband's inauguration in 2021, among other accomplishments), picks up her video call, she's coming live from South Africa-and tells me that a hyena just ran by. "We're sitting at the lodge right now, and they have a really beautiful watering hole right here that all the animals come to," she says, promising she'll alert me to any more wildlife sightings."
"I love it. I mean, I think it's the fact that I love dressing up so much that really kind of gets me in the mood. Decorating your house for the holidays is kind of the best way to get into the festive spirit. So I always like to do something a little bit special-I love a garland over the fireplace. I love tying ribbons into things and putting different flowers around."
Alexandra O'Neill regularly travels to South Africa where she visits her partner and encounters wildlife at lodges. Her fashion line Markarian, founded in 2017, produces all garments in New York City. Her designs feature floral prints and intricate embroidery and she translates those aesthetics into holiday hosting and opulent tablescapes. Easy access to fabric swatches enables using textiles as linens for events. Decorating choices include garlands, ribbons, and flowers, with layered prints to express personality at gatherings. She favors dressing up for the season and brings a signature seasonal drink to parties.
Read at Bon Appetit
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