Upcycling for Vintage Hub Pitti x A.N.G.E.L.O.
During the Pitti Uomo edition in June 2024, My-RNA presented a special project in collaboration with A.N.G.e.l.o. Vintage, exploring new frontiers of sustainable fashion and contemporary femininity. In the trends area of the pavilion dedicated to circular fashion, designer Mirna Moretti revealed her personal upcycled reinterpretation of the classic Chanel suit.
The installation featured three suits, rethought and reimagined in innovative silhouettes and stylistic variations, demonstrating how a tailored piece can be reborn and transformed, assuming a new identity. Each piece tells a story of regeneration, elevating the idea that fashion can be not only iconic but also sustainable.
The journey that led us to the final result was fascinating and enjoyable. We began with a visit to the A.N.G.E.L.O. Vintage archive, located in a charming early 20th-century former orphanage in Lugo, with the goal of selecting the most intriguing and interesting pieces to bring back to life.
Our focus was on classic 1950s and 1960s Chanel-style suits and Japanese kimonos, both iconic symbols of balance and universal femininity. The choice was influenced not only by the tailoring technique and aesthetic codes but also by the vibrant colors and luxurious fabrics.
We divided the pieces into groups based on type and color, with the aim of achieving a final result that merges and blends Western and Eastern cultures.
Once the number and color of the pieces for each group were established, we began carefully examining each item for upcycling, experimenting with different shapes and drapes on the mannequin. After various attempts at modification, assembly, and deconstruction, we created the first draft of the new silhouettes.
At that point, the creative work ended, and the tailoring process began, leading us to the surprising and rewarding opportunity to rediscover the treasures of craftsmanship hidden in each garment — an art that is now nearly lost.
We reconstructed the new suits while respecting the original tailoring codes, but we lightened the finishes using modern construction methods to create pieces more suited and functional for contemporary lifestyles, without losing the flavor and richness of traditional craftsmanship.
This project perfectly aligns with the mission and concept of MY-RNA, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and the importance of creative reuse. Upcycling is a powerful tool to combine aesthetics and responsibility, delivering a message of awareness and change in the fashion world.
