Italian and Russian young designers met in Traditional Russian Patterns Expedition

Italian and Russian young designers met in Traditional Russian Patterns Expedition

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Students of the Polimoda Fashion School (Italy, Florence) and HSE Art and Design School (Russia, Moscow) met in Traditional Russian Patterns Expedition which was organized by Russian Fashion Council. Inspired by the new experience and knowledge of the Russian history and culture, student designers will create a joint collection of clothes and interior design items. This collection will be presented at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia.

“It is great when there is a collaboration of cultures, when our traditional arts are combined with fashion and design created by the Italian industry. In view of the fact that Italy has its own national approaches to design, we’re delighted that you are interested in our folk arts and crafts. I have no doubt that the objects you’ve designed will gain you well-deserved acclaim from the fair jury. Moreover, I believe that such deep immersion into our culture, connection with the Russian spirit will leave its imprint in your hearts, as well as in your forthcoming designs,” Denis Manturov, Russia’s Minister of Industry and Trade, told the audience, and then asked them to share their impressions on the trip.

“When Polimoda informed us about this initiative, we immediately reacted enthusiastically. Of course, we did not know what to expect from the creation of a link between two different countries; and between fashion, fast innovative and self-referential, and traditional techniques. But it was amazing to find out how much these two worlds can come together. The experience in the Gzhel ceramics factory has enriched us for a more material and authentic design. The spirit of this place has impressed us, for hospitality, the care of others and conviviality. The Russian Fashion Council, the Russian Ministry of Industry and Polimoda have created a new point of view for fashion and approach to work. The strength of not abandoning a tradition and a cultural identity; with the will to open up to the rest of the world and to the new generations of artists,” Paola Laudisa, a Polimoda student, shares her impressions.

The participants attended the Gzhelskij Farforovyj Zavod (Gzhel Porcelain Factory) JSC, the Khokhlomskaya Rospis (Khokhloma Painting) JSC awarded with the Badge of Honor Order, the Torzhokskie Zolotoshvei (Gold Embroiderers of Torzhok) LLC, the OrenburgShal (Shawls of Orenburg) company, and the Imperatorsky Farforovyj Zavod (Imperial Porcelain Factory) JSC.

The audience agreed that the works presented by both Russian and Italian students were masterful enough to be produced at folk arts and crafts factories and would be given appropriate feedback.