An one of a kind Italian designer, who conceives simple lines and unique materials, strong colors and innovative textures. Everything that she produces follows the principles of sustainability; she thinks about a responsible woman, feminine, minimalist and with personality: she has worked and collaborated with many famous brands around the world and has held lectures at leading international universities.
This is Laura Strambi.
An original and creative style, attention to detail and a meticously research of material make her clothes unique and with a story to tell. A story that has a common background of respect for the environment, for workers in this sector and for the Made in Italy.
Her philosophy is in fact “green”: all her pieces are traceable, obtained with the use of alternative energy, organic and they definitely spread a message of sustainability. Here’s what she told us about her life, her plans and her latest collection “Frozen Garden” presented during Milan Fashion Week F/W 2017/18.
__________
How and when you approached the fashion world? And when the concept of sustainability?
__________
As a child I grew up watching my mom in her atelier in Casale Monferrato. From her I learned to appreciate fabrics, she “tought” me the love and passion for the most beautiful materials and for the whole fashion world. After art school I attended the Istituto Marangoni and then the Royal Academy in London.
I approached the concept of sustainability, following all the production phases of the textile chain. Ten years ago I wanted to further research the origin of textile fibres, from cultivation to dyes, and the relationship between textile and health.
__________
In an interview you stated that in Italy there is still no awareness on the issue (unlike, for example, the Northern European Countries), why do you think in our Country we still struggle so much on perceiving the need for sustainability?
__________
There is little knowledge and little information. The “Camera della Moda” (Chamber of Fashion) is doing a lot in terms of communication and dissemination of everything related to sustainability.
__________
As a professor who has taught sustainability and sustainable fashion, how much do you believe it is important to convey to young people the “truth” about fashion?
__________
Don’t call me a professor… I held workshops in several universities in Italy and abroad. We must teach young people that even buying a t-shirt can affect pollution.
__________
In Italy are there raw materials that comply with sustainability? Or do you have to get out of our borders?
__________
Yes, of course, in Italy most of textile that we produce are not only converter, they are adapted to the European legislation on sustainability and the use of non-toxic materials throughout the manufacturing chain.
__________
Your experience in the world of theater has also influenced the style of your fashion creations? If yes, how?
__________
The world of theater with its magic and incredible creativity has profoundly influenced my work, giving me a greater openness and has opened me to a creativity distant from typified aesthetic patterns.
__________
Among all the collaborations you’ve had so far, there is one in particular that has remained in your heart?
__________
The experience with Bulgari. I worked there with textiles (foulard, scarves and ties) and I carried on an extensive research of materials and colors. Drawing scarves and all the textile collection of a brand which is synonymous of the true Italian luxury was a wonderful experience.
__________
Who or what inspires you the most in your professional life? And in your everyday life?
__________
Nature is always my inspiration!! At its beauty we must look with admiration and profound respect, aware that it is a great gift of God to all mankind.
__________
Can you tell us about your new “Frozen Garden” collection? What was your inspiration?
__________
My inspirations were the best gardens or parks in New York during a cold winter: looking through the windows of a greenhouse home in Central Park we look out to a new and muffled world, intangible and refined, which filters its light through mixed and veiled colors. The materials are exclusive, including a completely natural and biodegradable fiber obtained from pineapples, even “green fiber” for wool jackets and coats, natural wool of Yak for soft over with “luxury” allure and technical fabric obtained from the reuse of fishing nets.
