Profile: Silvia Marsano – Only Natural Design Competitions

Silvia Marsano

IED Istituto Europeo Di Design

My aesthetic vision is experimental, innovative, and contemporary, with a strong interest in deconstructivism and romanticism. The history of fashion and art are constant sources of inspiration for my work, influencing my approach to research, storytelling, and design. I develop ideas through experimentation and exploration of new forms, using techniques such as moulage and collage to investigate volumes, silhouettes, and creative possibilities. Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of my design practice. I am deeply interested in exploring responsible approaches through the use of natural fabrics, textile techniques that incorporate fabric waste, and zero-waste pattern-making methods. I believe that sustainability can become a source of innovation and creativity, encouraging new ways of thinking about materials, construction, and the relationship between design and resources. I am fascinated by the dialogue between tradition and innovation, and I am constantly looking for new techniques and visual languages to expand my design perspective. My work is driven by curiosity, research, and the desire to create garments that combine conceptual depth, craftsmanship, and a strong visual identity. I am currently working as a Freelance Fashion Designer for Eyelet (2026–present), contributing to collection development through trend and visual reference research, brand identity analysis, moodboards, sketches, technical specifications, and product development activities. Previously, I worked at Ports 1961 in the fabric research department, supporting fittings and contributing to textile and construction choices. I also worked as a Fashion Designer for a small brand, managing the full development of collections from concept research and design to technical sheets, fabric selection, fittings, and supplier coordination. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design from Istituto Marangoni, followed by an advanced course in London and a Master’s degree at IED focused on sustainability. These experiences allowed me to explore different approaches to design, strengthening my creative vision while developing a more conscious and responsible mindset. Through my background and experiences, I aim to create designs that merge experimentation, research, sustainability, and technical precision, continuously evolving my personal language as a designer.

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COSSU

Category: Apparel

Competitions: Fashion Competition 2026

Roots are no longer fixed in one place; they shift, evolve, and take new directions over time. In this collection, I explore the complexities of my mixed heritage, with a particular focus on my grandmother's homeland, Sardinia. Through an in-depth study of traditional Sardinian costumes, both male and female, I examine their cultural significance, historical origins, and the powerful role they play in shaping identity. One of the key themes of this collection is the Sardinian instinct to cover and protect. The tradition of layering garments, often worn for both practical and symbolic purposes, becomes a visual representation of self-preservation, hiding, and shielding oneself from the outside world. I wanted to explore this protective impulse through the use of textures and forms that convey both concealment and resilience. Sustainability and material awareness are also central elements of this collection. All the outfits are created using natural fabrics, specifically 100% cotton textiles sourced from leftover materials provided by the Italian textile company Albini. By giving new life to existing resources, the collection reflects a conscious approach to design, where heritage and responsibility coexist. Each garment is developed through a zero-waste pattern-making method, allowing the entire fabric surface to be utilized while minimizing waste and rethinking traditional approaches to garment construction. For one of the looks, I further explored this concept by creating a textile treatment using fabric scraps through the slashing technique, transforming discarded materials into a new tactile and expressive surface. I sought to experiment with texture, incorporating pleated effects reminiscent of the intricate basket weaving techniques typical of Sardinia. Additionally, I was inspired by the striking carnival costumes of the Mamuthones, especially the iconic sheepskin furs, which I have reinterpreted using knitwear techniques. This fusion of traditional references, sustainable practices, and modern craftsmanship creates a dialogue between past and present, evoking a sense of continuity and transformation. Ultimately, this collection is an exploration of identity, rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving, as the symbols of my heritage take new forms and meanings in the context of contemporary design. Through the combination of Sardinian cultural codes, responsible material choices, and innovative construction techniques, the collection reflects the idea that roots are not static, but constantly reshaped by time, memory, and personal experience.