A marquess or marquis (UK  /ˈmɑrkwɨs/; French: "marquis", /mɑrˈkiː/) is a nobleman of hereditary rank in various European peerages and in those of some of their former colonies. The term is also used to translate equivalent oriental styles, as in imperial China, Japan, and Vietnam (Annam). In the British Isles the title ranks below a duke and above an earl (see "Marquesses in the United Kingdom").

The actual distinction between a Marquess and other peerage titles has, in more recent years, faded into obscurity. In times past, the distinction between a Count and a marquess was that a marquess's land, called a march, was on the border of the country, while a count's land, called a county, often wasn't. Because of this, a marquess was trusted to defend and fortify against potentially hostile neighbors and was thus more important and ranked higher than a count. The title is ranked below duke, which was mostly restricted to the royal family and those that were held in high enough esteem to be granted such a title.

Georgina Chapman (born 14 April 1976) is an English fashion designer and actress. Chapman, alongside Keren Craig, an actress and a former model, are the co-founders of fashion label Marchesa.

The daughter of Brian Chapman, millionaire businessman and owner of the organic coffee company Percol, Georgina Chapman grew up in Richmond, West London.

At age 13, she started a band called Jesus and Mary Jane. In college she lived in a Shepherd's Bush flat, where she remained until recently with her dog, Rocky. In her twenties, Chapman modelled in Head & Shoulders and Soothers ads.

Chapman met future partner Keren Craig, while they were both students at Chelsea College of Art and Design. Chapman graduated from Wimbledon School of Art in 2001 and began her career as a costume designer. After graduation, Chapman appeared in various television shows and films.

In 2004, she and Craig launched Marchesa, named after socialite Marchesa Luisa Casati. Investors of the brand include Giuseppe Cipriani and Steven C. Witkoff. In 2006, the label was named one of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund's top ten finalists.

Keren Craig is an English fashion designer. Craig, alongside Georgina Chapman are the co-founders of the fashion label Marchesa.

As teenagers, Craig met future partner Georgina Chapman while they were both students at Chelsea College of Art and Design. Craig graduated from Brighton Art College in 2000 with a BA (Hons) in Fashion Textiles with Business and afterwards concertrated on print and embroidery design. This included freelance printmaking at Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana.

In 2004, Craig and Chapman launched Marchesa which is named after socialite Marchesa Luisa Casati. Investors of the brand include Giuseppe Cipriani and Steven C. Witkoff. In 2006, the label was named one of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund's top ten finalists.

Recently it was confirmed in the UK Press that Chapman and Craig will be designing the wedding dress of footballerWayne Rooney's fiancée Coleen, for £100,000.

Craig married her boyfriend of the past 11 years, Piers North on 5 July 2008 . North is an Art Director for Mother Advertising in New York.