The 2024 ACM BA graduating class in Costume and Fashion presented a compelling showcase of the Italian industry’s diversity and commitment to craft. Despite varied themes and references, all 20 students’ collections adhered closely to ecological practices that promote fashion sustainability. Leveraging the “Made in Italy” label, some graduates partnered with brands like Clarks, Stelio Malori, and Majotech to drive innovation. Others developed personal upcycling systems, scavenging through Rome for materials of Italian origin.
By drawing from their backgrounds and cultural heritage, designers used fashion to explore and preserve their roots. Eleonora Moreschini’s collection, “Mantè/Memoria Ad Accesso Casuale,” merges the Coperta Abruzzese textile tradition with modern silhouettes, showcasing a deep commitment to storytelling. Giorgio Natti Raineri, Tobia Setten, and Delvin Nosakhare Ekhator used fashion for healing and self-expression, challenging gender norms and advocating inclusivity. Raineri’s delicate garments, adorned with floral embroidery and sheer fabrics, promote genderless fashion and counteract violence. Ekhator’s collection joyfully retells his immigration journey, described as a “painful return to memory lane.”
Sabrina Raus and Alice Ercoli drew inspiration from human nature. Their projects question how to establish individual identity within a community, proposing human connection as an antidote to an emotionless industry. Like the rest of their colleagues, the designer’s collections read as powerful manifestos for human craft. Ekhator expresses a concern shared by his peers: “I fear we’ve become too robotic.” Tommaso Chini echoes this feeling, dreading a shift towards profit over creativity: “Everything is geared towards profit and industry, forgetting the beauty of art, culture, and innovation.” Despite these concerns, the class of 2024 remains hopeful. Giorgio Natti Raineri encapsulates this sentiment: “Fashion is a strong means of communication. We have a responsibility to put a message into the world.” And they certainly have.