If you’re a regular at Great Stuff on Purchase Street, the longtime women’s clothing shop, you’ve likely been helped by Marina Bonasera.

 

By Robin Jovanovich

 

If you’re a regular at Great Stuff on Purchase Street, the longtime women’s clothing shop, you’ve likely been helped by Marina Bonasera. What you may not know about the charming young saleswoman is that she’s also a rising fashion designer.

 

She’s already sold a collection of cocktail dresses to Great Stuff and one of her very feminine black silk jersey dresses, gathered at the bottom, was a top auction item at a recent Boot Camp by the Beach fundraiser.

 

Bonasera, who moved from Rome to New York City five years ago, comes by her design skills honestly. “Both my mother and grandfather sew beautifully.” She studied high fashion from design to pattern to finished product. “I can make a one-of-a-kind dress in a week.”

 

When it comes to style, Bonasera says it’s all about the fabric. “The more texture, the better.” And she’s partial to black, especially paired with metallic tops — copper, silver. “Black is flattering and timeless when set off by great accent pieces.”