BEAUTY: Clothing--Federico Cina

Regular readers of "Oh, By The Way" know of the many reasons I find fashion design so compelling. As someone who finds the arts in general to be nourishing and vital, I think of "fashion" as "costume"--as a way to convey an idea or a concept. I appreciate what some designers do the same way one appreciates what an avant garde sculptor or painter or performance artist does. And in a way, these designers are performance artists. For me, it is not about what is hanging on racks in stores, but what these artists are creating and the ideas and concepts they are working with as an influence on their marvelous creativity. It is moving sculpture. It is theater. Fashion and clothing at this level serve as a kind of visual shorthand. A piece of clothing in the hands of a designer can evoke a place, a region, a country, a specific time or an entire era, a work of art such as a novel or film or painting, a class of people, even a social, financial, or spiritual element... and the combination of such pieces of clothing, as well as their harmony or contrast, can tell a fascinating story.

But every now and then, a designer tells a story that is deeply personal, and when that happens, I can't help but be touched. And new designer Federico Cina (he launched his brand only last year) mined his own life to come up with not only a collection but a philosophy for his brand's DNA. For virtual Milano Moda Uomo, he created a sweet SS '21 collection which references the trajectory of his entire life. To fully appreciate this story, please enjoy both videos here.

In a moving, poignant video exclusive to Milano Moda Uomo, he spoke about growing up wanting to leave the confines of his native Romagna to explore the world only to realize that he missed the authenticity and natural beauty of his home. I love hearing of his journey in life as well as in his creativity to synthesize the elements of his past and the history of Ramagna (including the storied Romagna printed cloth) with the idea of wearable clothing for 2021. It's quite beautiful.

And the second phase, the realization of his journey in this lovely, nostalgia-tinged vision of his childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and family. I was extremely moved when the three versions of himself came together at the end...

https://www.federicocina.it/