During summertime, the earth hardens, the air dries, and the body wearies post-harvest. This seasonal transformation, forming patterns on the skin akin to the plow-made ones in the fields, is a magical prelude to sowing’s renewal. Federico Cina revisits this theme, exploring the cultivation, nurturing, and labor of his homeland during times of profound connection with the land. The TERRA collection narrates a world in harmonious synergy, emphasizing the dignity of physical connections to places over industrial exploitation.
Symbolism and Inspiration
The apple serves as a bridge between humanity and nature and emerges as the most emblematic symbol. Its spherical shape narrates the world’s story when split in half, as illustrated by Romagna poet Tonino Guerra. Guerra’s devotion to nature led him to select and preserve various apple varieties from the Apennines in “a place of the Soul,” L’orto dei frutti dimenticati. Here, plants and artworks coexist, creating a poignant connection. In this world tied to the land and its profound meanings, sowing foretells the future, and the past becomes heritage and fertilizer.
The Collection
The collection draws its hues from Romagna’s summer landscapes: evening beige of wheat fields, parched brown of earth, off-white walls, green vegetation, and deep leafy shadows. Times wear darkens aprons and jackets, leaving marks and streaks. The sacks of lute in the sheds become sweaters, and natural and unbleached yarns are knitted, then unraveled, stressed, and decomposed. The clothing here radiates a life intrinsically intertwined with the land.
The tradition of terracotta in Faenza influences the garments, which are transformed into inhabitable sculptures. Pottery transforms into earrings and accessories through the hands of local artisans, solid as delicate stone, merging with garments as embellishments. The entire territory pours into the collection, transforming into clothing.
Reflections and Conclusions
Following recent unfortunate events that devastated Emilia Romagna, this heartfelt ode to the territory takes on greater significance for Federico and his team. It serves as a reminder that beloved places must be celebrated and preserved. The TERRA collection thus becomes a manifestation of resilience, a tribute to a land that, despite adversity, continues to inspire with its strength, tenacity, and selflessness.
