Federico Cina Fall Winter 2025.26 collection, titled Assunta e Giacomo, transforms intimate family memories into a poignant narrative. Paying homage to his grandparents, Assunta and Giacomo, the designer crafts a heartfelt tribute by drawing inspiration from their everyday attire, loungewear, work clothes, and garments reserved for special occasions. The collection becomes a living memory, expressed through movement, fabric, and emotion.
Presented at Fondazione Sozzani in Milan, the collection transcends traditional runway formats by unfolding as a performance. Models engage in choreographed gestures that reenact routines from Federico’s childhood, echoing the daily rituals and habits shared with his grandparents. These small yet meaningful acts, once part of his grandparents’ lives, are reinterpreted as vivid expressions of connection and remembrance. The performance is staged through carefully curated “tableaux,” where each scene recalls moments of family life. The simplicity of actions, such as folding clothes or setting a table, carries a depth that resonates with universal themes of familial love and continuity.
The set design mirrors the home of Assunta and Giacomo, deconstructed and reimagined as a fluid environment. Every corner and detail of the space reflects fragments of memory, creating a stage that bridges Federico’s past with the present. Through this approach, Federico Cina communicates how physical spaces, even in their simplest forms, hold emotional significance. The collection invites viewers to connect with their own memories of home and the small, cherished rituals that define family life.
The performers’ gestures transcend mere choreography, capturing the emotional weight of remembering. Federico translates the act of recalling his grandparents into a continuous dialogue, where memory informs present actions. From the fluid drape of fabrics to the purposeful motions of the performers, every element reflects a deep-rooted connection to the past. This transformation of memory into physical expression illustrates how the experiences of loved ones can shape us, often manifesting in ways we only realize over time.
Through Assunta e Giacomo, Federico celebrates the enduring influence of grandparents on our lives. Their love, wisdom, and presence are preserved not just in the collection but in the gestures of those who wear it. Each movement performed during the show becomes a quiet tribute to the bonds that withstand distance and time. The collection extends beyond clothing to emphasize the significance of rediscovering small, seemingly unremarkable moments. These fragments of the past, Federico suggests, remain with us, shaping our identities and guiding our decisions.
The presentation owes part of its success to Fondazione Sozzani, a Milanese institution committed to promoting culture, fashion, and the arts. Under the leadership of Sara Sozzani Maino, the Foundation continues to support projects fostering education and creative responsibility. This collaboration underscores the importance of connecting creative vision with cultural advocacy, allowing designers like Federico to bring deeply personal stories to life.
