Exploring Borders with Antonio Marras’ “Among High Lands” Collection
Antonio Marras’ latest collection, “Among High Lands”, takes us on a journey through borders, not as lines on a map, but as connections between cultures and memories. Inspired by the landscapes of the Gennargentu Massif in Sardinia and the Balkan Mountains between Serbia and Bulgaria, Marras weaves a narrative that blends the past with the present.
The collection is a reflection of Marras’ personal history, starting with an old embroidered cap belonging to his wife’s grandfather, a souvenir from his travels in Eastern Europe after World War II. From this heirloom, Marras crafts a story of a fictional woman named Antona, tracing her path through family memories and traditions.
“With this trip, I return to using two terms I was often labeled with before they were abolished from the fashion vocabulary: folk and ethnic,” Marras explains. Embracing these labels, Marras creates a collection that transcends cultural boundaries, blending traditional motifs with contemporary design.
The garments in the collection feature prints and floral motifs inspired by old foulard designs and embroidery, juxtaposed with tassels, jacquards, and a mix of masculine and feminine fabrics. Calf hair, shearling, jersey, lace, sequins, and upcycled patchworks come together to create a rich tapestry of textures and colors.
The color palette ranges from warm browns and pinks to vibrant shades of green, turquoise, and yellow, reflecting the diversity of cultures and landscapes that inspired the collection. Accessories like maxi bijoux made from recycled plastic, sneakers, and wooden platform clogs add a touch of nostalgia, reminiscent of Marras’ family history.
Through “Among High Lands”, Antonio Marras invites us to imagine a world where borders are not barriers, but bridges between past and present, tradition and innovation. With his unique blend of storytelling and design, Marras creates a space where memories and imagination converge, offering a glimpse into a world that is both familiar and unknown.
