Fashion brand Salvatore Vignola unveiled its Fall Winter 2024 Collection, titled “You Must Live,” with an experiential presentation set against the backdrop of Palazzo Giureconsulti, during the recently finished Milan Fashion Week. This event was a profound tribute to Palestine, inspired by the poignant poem “If I Must Die” by Refaat Alareer, a Palestinian poet whose life was tragically cut short by an airstrike on December 6, 2023. The poem, a stirring call to life and hope in the face of loss, served as the thematic cornerstone for Vignola’s collection and the evening’s proceedings.
FALL WINTER 2024.25 WOMENSWEAR
The collection, available for sale during the event, was a fundraiser for the Palestine Red Crescent Society, aligning fashion with a humanitarian cause. Vignola’s designs, characterized by soft shapes and a predominantly white palette, were a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of Palestinian culture. The use of artisanal techniques and textures, alongside patterns inspired by the Palestinian heritage, infused the collection with a sense of depth and authenticity. Materials for the collection were sourced from readymade textiles, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability through the recycling of high-value materials.
Central to the designs was the reinterpretation of the thobe, transforming the traditional Palestinian dress into genderless models that catered to a diversity of bodies. This modern take on a classic form was a highlight of the collection, symbolizing both a respect for tradition and a forward-looking vision.
Collaboration with the Palestinian design duo Trashy Clothing brought forth evocative prints that adorned the garments, weaving the narrative of Palestine into the fabric of the collection. The keffiyeh, a symbol of solidarity and resistance, was reimagined through the collection, its motifs delicately integrated into the designs to tell the story of Palestine’s rich cultural and economic history.
The event itself was a sensory journey, transforming the venue into an olive grove that evoked the essence of Palestinian land. Traditional dances, reimagined through the choreography of Daniele Vitale, melded with a play of light, shadow, sound, and imagery to create an immersive experience. This performance, rooted in the symbolism of olive trees that cover much of Palestine’s territory, was a powerful reminder of the nation’s cultural and historical significance.
Salvatore Vignola, alongside a diverse group of Italian, Palestinian, Arab, and North African artists, united to convey a message of hope and solidarity. The clothes worn by performers, along with a special T-shirt capsule created in collaboration with Trashy Clothing, were sold to raise funds for the Palestine Red Crescent Society. This collective effort underscored the fashion community’s potential to mobilize for meaningful causes.
The evening was enriched by the visual contributions of artists such as Amira Suboh and Jasmine Barri, whose works complemented the narrative of the collection. A performance by Mohammed el Hajoui further bridged cultural expressions, encapsulating the event’s theme of unity and understanding.
What a gorgeous collection !