Laba Firenze's End-of-Year Show Explores the Divine

Laba Firenze, a multidisciplinary academy in Florence, held its end-of-year fashion show on June 2023, featuring 22 emerging designers. The event, attended by 1,200 spectators and a jury of industry professionals, was guided by creative director Manuel Ventroni and fashion department coordinator Cristina Cacioli, who posed the question: how do we relate to the Divine? Each student presented three looks. The show also ventured into the digital realm with garments designed for virtual and metaverse fashion. Among the graduates, Flavia Miele created handmade macro-knit coats inspired by tropical plants, taking nine months to complete. Emanuele Quaranta drew from Ancient Egypt's social hierarchy, using hot glue and gold leaf on lightweight fabrics. Joana Rapai, from Albania, addressed migration and refuge through upcycled garments with knitwear overlaps; she was previously awarded a CLO 3D license for CAD skills. Cosimo Volpi presented a post-apocalyptic menswear collection influenced by gaming, featuring oversized forms and sea-wave motifs. The jury included Matteo Molon (CLO 3D), Matteo Lenzi (Gab Group), Danny Goldstein (Fashion Snoops), and Alessio Carciofi (author of "Vivere il Metaverso"). The academy's director Domenico Cafasso and president Carlo Nigi welcomed attendees.