We were lucky to catch up with Lily Marotto recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lily, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

One moment that stayed with me was when a client came for a custom silk gown to wear at an important celebration. She wanted something that would feel like her second skin — soft, effortless, and luminous. We spent hours draping fabrics, testing how the silk moved in the light, searching for that one shade that captured her personality.

I knew she was a bit worried about whether her gown would match her partner’s look, so I created a bow tie from the same silk. When they arrived at the event, they looked absolutely stunning — elegant, confident, and perfectly in tune. I often design small accessories like this to complete the story of the outfit, so my clients feel completely secure and radiant, without a single detail left to chance.

Weeks later, she sent me a photo from that evening. They looked timeless together — and that harmony, that shared confidence, is exactly what couture means to me. It’s not just about the dress, but about how it makes you feel — beautiful, connected, and completely yourself.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Lily Marotto, and I’m the founder and creative director of Marotto Fashion Group, a couture-focused fashion house based in South Florida. My world revolves around design — not just creating garments, but crafting emotion, movement, and confidence through fabric.

I entered fashion very organically. Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by how clothing transforms a person’s presence — how silk can flow like music, or how embroidery can capture light like jewelry. Over the years, that fascination grew into a professional language: couture craftsmanship, digital textile design, and 3D garment creation. I blend traditional artistry — embroidery, hand-finishing, natural fabrics — with modern tools like CLO3D and AI-assisted textile design to turn ideas into living, wearable art.

At Marotto Fashion Group, I work closely with each client to bring their vision to life — whether it’s a custom-made gown, a digitally printed silk piece, or a signature embroidered design. Every garment is personal. My goal is to create something that feels like them, only elevated — something they’ll never find on a rack, because it was made for their story.

What sets my brand apart is the balance between technology and touch — the precision of digital creation combined with the intimacy of couture. I don’t design for trends; I design for individuality. My clients come to me not just for a dress, but for an experience — for the feeling of being part of the creative process, for the quiet joy that comes when they see themselves in something that truly fits their essence.

I’m most proud when I see a client light up in front of the mirror — when they realize that what they’re wearing isn’t just beautiful, it’s them. That moment is why I do what I do.

What I want people to know about my brand is simple: Lily Marotto Couture is where art meets emotion. Every piece carries intention, story, and care. My dream is for every woman who wears my designs to feel powerful, elegant, and deeply herself — like she’s living her own cinematic moment.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation grew very organically — it started with word of mouth, and I truly believe that’s still the most powerful form of recognition. People talk, they recommend, they share experiences — good or bad — and I’ve always valued that honesty. Many of the people I’ve worked with over the years still reach out to me for new collaborations or photoshoots, and I’ve built beautiful friendships with clients and coworkers alike.

The second thing that helped is Instagram. I don’t have millions of followers, but the ones I have are real. They follow my journey, they understand my style, and when they need something special — a custom piece that feels like them — they know they can reach out directly.

At the heart of everything I do are four principles: honesty, loyalty, creativity, and quality. These values have built my reputation more than anything else. They guide every design, every fitting, every conversation. And I think that authenticity is what people feel when they work with me.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I’ve always believed that inspiration for business doesn’t have to come only from business books. My way of thinking as a designer and entrepreneur was shaped more by art, biographies, and creative documentaries than by strict management theories.

I learn the most from people and experiences — from watching how artists express emotions through their craft, or how great designers built their vision step by step. I find that creativity and entrepreneurship follow the same rules: you have to stay curious, resilient, and willing to reinvent yourself constantly.

Sometimes, a single exhibition, a film about design, or even a personal conversation teaches me more than any course could. I’m inspired by the discipline of craftsmanship, the courage to take risks, and the beauty of staying loyal to your own vision.

For me, leadership in fashion is not about formulas — it’s about passion, intuition, and the ability to inspire others to believe in something beautiful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lilymarotto.com/
• Instagram: @lilymarotto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilymarotto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-marotto-658745146
• Youtube: @lilymarotto8333