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Marzelest

MARIO / CHICAGO / ONE WORKTABLE

I make objects that argue with the suit they started from.

Marzelest began when Mario covered a black formal suit with real candy. It was impractical, heavy, funny, and more convincing in public than it had been in his head. The result became No Amayume and the beginning of a continuing practice.

Marzelest's Chicago studio at night with tools, fabric, flowers, and paint tests.
Direct-flash studio photograph of a black suit, candy wrappers, hot glue, and hand tools during the first construction.
Direct-flash studio photograph of a black suit, candy wrappers, hot glue, and hand tools during the first construction.

ORIGIN

The first work began with a black suit and real candy.

The first adhesive failed. The second released from the wrappers. Gorilla high-temperature hot glue stayed. By October 31, 2025, No Amayume was complete and weighed more than 25 pounds. The continuing practice began as a shoulder problem.

Start with the object

Material, weight, attachment, movement, repair. Those are the nouns that matter first.

Keep the argument

The beautiful part comes after the argument.

Stay singular

Mario builds Marzelest from one Chicago worktable, then invites the right hands in when a work needs something the table cannot provide.

THE STUDIO

Built to grow without losing the hand.

Marzelest is a Chicago wearable-art house led by Mario. The work is built, documented, worn, repaired, and expanded from the studio. Specialists join when a project needs skills or equipment beyond the worktable.