Straw Fashion

Developed in collaboration with old and experienced women artisans in the area of the 5 Comuni (Vicenza Province, Italy), Straw Fashion is the result of a research carried out in the historical district of the straw manufactory in Veneto region. This kind of manufactory was really important for the countryside economy until the 60’, but is almost disappeared nowadays. The old women that still work with this material are the historical memory of what was a flourishing craft district in the past. With this project, I tried to redesign the iconic objects of this straw production: The “ sporta”, the typical shopping bag, and the straw hats. In my reinterpretation, the bags are designed as laptop and notepad cases. The traditional weaving process offers the possibility to personalize these modern objects with various pattern with a nostalgic touch. Material: braided straw, aluminum, foam, nylon strings, rubber.