The Antonio Marras Pre-Fall 2024 collection pays homage to a poetic union between the Sardinian community and Native Americans, inspired by the 1981 autobiographical album of Italian singer-songwriter Fabrizio De André. This collection is a celebration of shared experiences, symbolism, and a deep connection with nature that transcends geographical boundaries.
De André’s album, dedicated to both Sardinians and Native Americans, draws parallels between these two distinct cultures. He believed that being Sardinian was a matter of becoming rather than being, emphasizing differences over identity. This philosophy reflects in the collection, which explores the themes of independence, diversity, and shared experiences.
Both Sardinians and Native Americans are portrayed as sharing an existential dimension that deeply values relationships with people, nature, and the divine. They inhabit open spaces – be it prairies or mountains – and know freedom and the harsh reality of repression. This collection mirrors these aspects through its reverence for ancient customs, rituals, and a deep-rooted connection with the land.
Antonio Marras’ collection is a blend of religious, mystical, and symbolic elements reminiscent of both Native American and Sardinian cultures. The garments reflect a lifestyle that respects and honors nature as the great mother, focusing on clothing that is functional, adaptable to weather changes, and made from accessible raw materials.
The collection is a tribute to the shared sacred wisdom of weaving, symbolized by the goddess of the blanket, revered in both cultures. It brings together craftsmanship and a love for tradition, featuring colors that echo the high prairie skies and Sardinian sunsets – sky blues, cream, burgundy, deep blues, rust, and taupe, among others. Patterns such as houndstooth, plaids, checks, and floral inlaid embroidery are used, along with materials like rough leather and fringes, and cocoon knits. The collection includes capes, suits, dresses, and an abundance of blankets, representing a confluence of Sardinian and Native American aesthetics.
