Bio
Six seasons ago, Marina Rosin-Levine and Fabiana Rigamonti of Due Farina started making shoes by hand in a tiny East Village apartment with a crooked floor. The Due Farina name was created by fusing the name Marina and Fabiana together to make Farina, and Due was added on to emphasize the partnership between long time friends and design partners. The Due Farina design aesthetic emphasizes the fusion of a New York City and European design perspective. Marina, born in St. Petersburg, Russia, however grew up in NYC, and Fabiana born and raised in Milan, Italy combine the point of view of a downtown, modern NYC woman with the luxurious and fashion forward Italian trend setter. Due Farina designs shoes for a woman who has a global fashion perspective, and who makes a statement with her accessories by preferring a progressive, aggressive, while at the same time, feminine look.
Due Farina gained recognition in the Spring of 2005, when Leon Levine, Marina's fiancé, now husband, joined as a third partner. Leon joined the team as the company was rapidly growing, and the business and marketing responsibilities needed to receive additional attention, while Fabiana and Marina were handling design, production and press responsibilities.
About us
Fabiana Rigamonti, co-creative director
As Fabiana's roots grounded her in the production of fashion, working alongside her father handbag and accessory factory creating for Valentino and Coveri in the 80's, Fabiana has continued to work in the world of fashion her entire life. Most recently, she worked in public relations for Sharra Pagano, the costume jeweler for Armani, Moschino, and others. Fabiana studied fashion in Parsons School of Design, where she also met Marina.
Marina Rosin-Levine co-creative director
Marina, on the other hand, approached the business of shoe and accessory making with her background in hotel and business management studies from Cornell University. After Cornell, Marina worked in marketing, sales and management for Starwood Hotels and Ian Schraeger Hotels. After returning to school to study fashion at Parsons School of Design and FIT, Marina, worked for Simple Silhouettes Bridal and Libra Leather.
Leon Levine, director of business development
Leon Levine is responsible for directing business and marketing efforts for Due Farina. An environmental engineer by trade, Leon, worked as project manager on enormous environmental projects such as the rebuilding of the World Trade Center. Leon has also completed studies for PHD in environmental science at Columbia University.
Why It Works
It's a symbiotic match, evident by their recognition as winners of the GenArt Fresh Faces competition. Marina and Fabiana attribute their passion for this business to knowing that this is their purpose in life. Due Farina has established itself as a modern and innovative brand by recognizing that in order to be a trendsetter in fashion, you must deliver a chic, confident and high quality accessory.
This year Due Farina has partnered with the Cynthia O’Connor and Company Showroom to represent their salon collection.
Marina, Leon and Fabiana live in Williamsburg in a large live work loft. The team looks forward to another partner, as Marina and Leon are expecting a baby at the end of August 2007.