The future of creativity lies with the younger generations: their talent, intertwined with an understanding of the cultural heritage that underpins it, needs nurturing and support to be fully realised. However, we cannot overlook the challenge of sustainability – an essential consideration that the fashion industry, along with all other sectors, must address now more than ever. The partnership between Milano Fashion&Jewels and 10 students from the IED Milan Master's course, coordinated by Marina Spadafora, arose from the desire to guide the creative journey of emerging talents with a respectful and mindful approach, reaching its pinnacle with a special catwalk show scheduled for the September edition of the exhibition.
At the core of the project lies the concept of upcycling, a cornerstone of sustainability, which involves "the revival and skilful transformation of garments that are still in prime condition and should not be discarded," as described by Spadafora. The students were encouraged to draw inspiration from emotional experiences, particularly those involving personal traumas, where aesthetics converge with a deeper, more personal aspect of the soul, revealing a vulnerable and, consequently, more authentic form of artistic expression. Ultimately, history is at the heart of everything: the experiences of the creators as well as the experiences of the materials, “because when you buy a fabric, you must adhere to its inherent qualities and the process of its manufacture. Conversely, a pre-owned garment comes with an established structure, necessitating a reorientation of one's mindset and sparking a cognitive process," explained Maddalena Pesenti, Programme Leader for Master’s Programmes at IED Milan.
The importance of ethics in fashion has always been a central focus within the holistic perspective of Milano Fashion&Jewels, where the conversation between tradition and innovation primarily amplifies the voices of emerging designers. The excitement lies in uncovering how the students have translated their personal experiences – marked by intense private and familial narratives, battles against the remnants of patriarchy, and desires for emancipation – into new creations that were initially showcased in a preview at the June examinations.
The students who participated in the project are: Awate Surabhi Suhas, Bragadze Tamar, Cancio Martins Bissaia Barreto Ines, Kuhar Sophie, Marsano Silvia, Montoro Pasquale, Pallagrosi Attilio, Rahmani Nirvana, Vaz Maurity Mariana and Yeganegi Neshat.
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