Antonio Marras RTW Fall 2021

Antonio Marras’ creativity is like his native island, Sardinia: expansive, beautiful and diverse.

Would Marras be a different type of creative had he been born in a different place? Most probably, yes. The designer’s sentimental attachment to the Mediterranean island where he lives and crafts most of his creations was celebrated in the video that brought his fall 2021 collection, and the magic of his homeland, to life.

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The Bronze Age archeological site of Barumini, a complex of circular stone defensive towers that is part of the UNESCO’s world heritage list, became the incredible set for his fairy tale. A cast of about 60 people, almost entirely Sardinian, portrayed pilgrims on an epic procession to visit their queen, one known for her magic powers. Marras imagined a world plagued by illness — certainly an analogy to the reality we are living — and the kind-hearted royal is the only one who can save those brave and faithful enough to visit her. Some visitors came carrying animals, books and other gifts for their queen, while fairies mingled among them to spread a message of hope and positivity.

Marras imagined the fairies creating their own garments, revealing their singular personalities. They indulge in opulent velvet and jacquard fabrics; they play with floral intarsia and embroideries, and print leather in a leopard motif. They show their most rebellious side with tartan patterns and their most elegant one with organza frocks sprouting generous bell sleeves.

“This season, I took a trip backwards in time, rediscovering things that deeply belong to my vision, but that I set aside for a while because I was distracted by other ideas,” said Marras, who for example re-proposed ’90s apron dresses and plissé skirts. “At the end, what I love more is mixing and matching, juxtapositions, the contrasts that I can create with shapes and fabrics.”

The designer’s artisanal and poetic style definitely stood out not only in the women’s attire, but also in the men’s looks, which featured a capsule of suits inspired by the shape of the garments traditionally worn by Sardinian sheep keepers. These were made from archival fabrics of the Castangia tailor shop established in Cagliari in 1850. Completely the brand’s wide, but always cohesive proposal was a mini collection of unisex upcycled sweaters reimagined with new intarsias that will be sold from Feb. 27 at the brand’s online store.

A designer skilled at crating an emotional connection with his audience through runway shows, Marras succeeded with the digital format. The collection video he made with the support of the Sardegna Film Commission Foundation will inspire a short movie to be released later this year.

Launch Gallery: Antonio Marras RTW Fall 2021

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