In a digital age where fashion often lives on screens, Federico Cina delivered viral-worthy moments at Milan Fashion Week. Models carried unconventional props like concrete pillars and ferried fellow models on their shoulders, creating buzz-worthy visuals. The grand finale saw the cast dramatically rip through a pristine white scrim, symbolizing a break from constraints as they walked the runway one final time. Yet, beneath these eye-catching gimmicks lay a deeply compelling collection that emphasized geometric precision, rich textures, and a soft color palette. The “Colors of Nothing” collection for Fall/Winter 24-25 explored profound themes of change, transformation, and existential reflection.
Federico Cina's collection delved into the philosophical, contemplating life's brutal shifts, the process of undressing, and the transition to adulthood. The colors of the collection mirrored the winter fog, with gray, dark, and transparent hues capturing the essence of transformation. Cina drew inspiration from varied sources, including the paintings of Luigi Grossi, which aim to give color to human emotions, and the austere aesthetics of brutalist architecture as conceptualized by Adolf Loos. Additionally, the transformative visions of video artist Bill Viola and the classical sensibilities of Salvatore Settis enriched the collection's narrative. This dialogue between art and architecture resulted in designs that were clean, precise, and geometrically rigorous, focusing on the fundamental essence of form.
One standout piece was the Tortellino bag, a soft yet sculptural accessory inspired by traditional symbols. The “Colors of Nothing” collection embraced the strength found in vulnerability and self-reconstruction, symbolizing the act of building oneself from within. With rigid constructions and exact lines, the collection marked a departure from Cina’s previous eclectic inspirations, reflecting a mature approach to design. The Fall 2024 line underscored the designer's ongoing exploration of personal growth and the shedding of what is no longer needed, reinforcing his unique and evolving aesthetic.
