COSSU

Category: Apparel

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.