MARNI FW23 

How Spring Milan’s campaign for Marni inspired a radical cast of curious characters, with casting agent Alison Bizzi.


Alison Bizzi
Interviewed by Interviewed by Ben Perdue, Head of Content and Editorial

8-minute read

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For its Marni campaign work Spring Milan tapped into the brand’s own curious and unexpected nature with a cast of unique personalities. Here, casting agent Alison Bizzi talks about exploring worlds at the edge of culture to uncover a radical-feeling mix of characters instead of the usual models and influencers.


BEN PERDUE:
Hi Alison! What elements of Marni’s personality were you looking for in your amazing cast?

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ALISON BIZZI:
I was looking for something that didn’t feel OG but was actually OG. I think integrity and emphasising the individuality of the character was something that fit the brand identity. Marni looks like a contemporary fairytale and that is what I was looking for.


BP:
Was it important for you to search in different places than you would usually for a fashion casting?

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AB:
I always like to search in very different places; I prefer oddities and weirdos, that’s what I am attracted to!


“They look good but in their own special way, the most important thing for me was that I was looking for iconic people.”

— Alison Bizzi

BP:
What qualities did the final cast all share? They’re all unique - but what connects them?

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AB:
They look good but in their own special way, the most important thing for me was that I was looking for iconic people. Some inner as well as outer power, and a good spirit.


BP:
Do you find it exciting to cast people that represent less traditional or expected beauty standards?

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AB:
I only work this way. I can do a more commercial casting, but when I’m free you can actually see the difference! This is what makes working with people fun, you never know who you are going to make fit into a bigger picture.


BP:
Where was the most unexpected place you found one of the cast members?

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AB:
I think the most iconic person from the cast is Alex the shaman, we met in Switzerland during a ritual for the new moon. The rest is magic and history.

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Credits:
BTS Alessandra Canteri