Room n.1 - Francesca Cotellessa
Fashion, like any other form of art, can express and interpret concepts that go beyond mere aesthetic appeal. Francesca show us a committed vision of fashion.
How did you realize fashion would be your future?
Actually it’s like I’ve always known that. Since I was child I had a great passion for fashion; I loved designing and creating dresses for dolls with fabric scraps that I used to find around the house. This passion has indeed grown with me, until I decided to deepen it by attending a 4 years post-graduated fashion design course at Polimoda in Florence.
What’s the concept of your latest collection?
In my last year collection i decided to give voice to all those women who have been victim of unjustified violence and abuse. “Room n.1” wants to be a kind of report against a world where violence against women is an ordinary topic, something unfortunately deeply rooted in our society. This is probably why it is so difficult to eradicate this threat, femicide victims are ordinary innocent girls who lead normal lives, author can be anyone, a family member or even the boyfriend or husband. This terrible need to possess in order to feel stronger. As a woman i feel particularly attached to this theme, living every day in a world where we often don't feel as safe and protected as we should be. Doing that I got inspired by Hitchcock's movie psycho, in which of course the victims of a man with a sick mind are women who end up in a motel unaware of what awaits them. That's why my initial idea was to recreate a kind of "murder scene" set in a old motel room with my outfits. Ruined wallpaper as a metaphor of pain and powerlessness mixed up with over sized shapes which become protective armor. Manipulated fabrics of the suits and coats to look crumpled and worn together with laces and silk of the nightgown. As a warning to remember that women must always be free to wear what makes them feel beautiful and sensual without fear of being in danger.
What does inspire you the most?
I don’t know maybe life in general. Literally everything can be inspiring for me. A person, a painting a landscape..Inspiration can come from everywhere when you observe the world around you very carefully. Think..for example, about my last collection, I got inspired by a ruined wall that I saw in my aunt’s house!
What’s the most complex aspect of this career?
The most complex aspect of this career lies in starting it, i think. It’s not easy at all to join the world of fashion. There are a lot of great talents nowadays and the job offer doesn’t keep pace. For many of us unfortunately it’s really hard start to build a career when most of the companies around the world wants “people with experience” but they don’t allow you to start this experience. And I also believe the hardest thing is always trying to be a step ahead and get used to fast paces of this world. Fashion, it’is known, change constantly and you need to change with it without loosing what makes you different from others.
Can you name a young fashion designer we should keep an eye on?
Yes, I know a great child-wear designer who makes marvelous and unique handmade swimsuit for children! Her brand’s name is “APPI BIMBI” I strongly recommend to follow her!
What’s your next project?
I have something in my mind..but they are just dreams for now. In the meanwhile i just want to focus on starting to practice everything I learned and keep improving my self every day. In the future we will see!
