Antonio Marras on Fashion, Lockdown, and Upcoming Projects

In an interview with Artribune, Sardinian fashion designer Antonio Marras reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his creative process and the fashion industry. During 45 days of lockdown at his home in Alghero, Marras found time for domestic chores, spending time with his son Leonardo, and producing work equivalent to a year's output. He took up spontaneous embroidery, inventing the 'Rebibbia stitch' on garments, including a felted sweater of his wife Patrizia. Marras discusses postponed projects: miart (postponed), a September show at Galleria Rossella Colombari in Milan, a collaboration with Ferdinando Bruni at Villa Carlotta in Como, and his performance 'Mio Cuore' at La MaMa in New York. A new public artwork—a ceramic totem for the Sacco Hospital in Milan, made with ceramist Giuseppe Colì—is underway. He will participate in 'Art – Drive In' (opening June 21) at a garage in Brescia, organized by Massimo Minini, alongside artists like Mimmo Paladino and Giovanni Gastel. Marras emphasizes his long-standing commitment to reuse and upcycling, tracing it back to his first couture show in Rome using his uncle's wardrobe from Argentina. He defends the importance of fashion shows as a culmination of collaborative work involving theater, choreography, and direction. His greatest desire post-lockdown is to stay home and have time for his own pursuits.