Isa Arfen

Serafina Sama has the kind of distinctive style that results in ‘star’ pieces – colourful, instantly recognisable designs that catch the eye of stylists everywhere and end up starring in magazines and Insta feeds galore.

A couple of years back, it was her fuchsia, tomato red and green colour-block blouse from resort 2016 – the most coveted top of the season. This winter, her Molly Ringwald-worthy ‘Bow Wow’ top has been seen on everyone from Dakota Johnson (opposite, centre) to influencer Brittany Xavier. But Sama – Isa Arfen is an anagram of her first name, and a tribute to her grandmother, Isa – is also the kind of person who doesn’t chase these things. She’s more the serene, happy coincidence type, with a sensibility developed during her childhood in Ravenna, Italy. Her mother and two aunts all had flamboyant style that flew in the face of conservative smalltown Italy, while her grandfather had a love of opera and ‘beautiful things’ in general. She came to London to study architecture, then switched to a fashion course at Central Saint Martins. After working at Chloé and freelancing for other brands including Acne, she launched her own label in 2012. Here, Sama tells us about her love of romantic 80s fashion, ruffles and Ravenna…

Your new resort collection is inspired by beach holidays and your hometown. What is it like?

Ravenna is beautiful. It’s near the sea and has wonderful churches with lovely mosaics. Growing up, I had a lot of fun. It felt very safe, but at the same time it felt very small. In those days, in the late 80s, everybody tended to dress the same.