Breaking barriers
We are thrilled to introduce Livia Arrigo, a promising new talent in the fashion world.
We are thrilled to introduce Livia Arrigo, a promising new talent in the fashion world.
Fresh out of the prestigious Amsterdam Fashion Academy, Livia has already made waves with her poignant and thought – provoking collection, “Cave of Demons.” This remarkable collection not only showcases her unique design prowess but also serves a greater purpose: to raise awareness about mental health and challenge the societal stigmatisation and exclusion faced by those grappling with mental health issues.
Supported by the Malta Arts Scholarship Scheme and funded by the Malta government, Livia’s educational journey has equipped her with the skills and vision to make a substantial impact in the fashion industry. In our interview, we delve into her inspirations, the message behind her designs, and her aspirations for the future. Join us as we explore the depths of creativity and empathy in Livia Arrigo’s “In the Attic.”
Can you elaborate on the metaphor of “In the Attic” and how it reflects your personal journey?
This collection represents my journey of introspection and self-discovery. By “In the Attic,” I mean delving into the depths of my mind to understand the emotions and experiences from my past that influenced my behaviour. It’s about entering the attic of my mind, exploring what’s inside, and gaining clarity on how these elements shaped me.
How did Carl Jung’s concepts of self-acceptance and individuation influence your collection?
Carl Jung’s concepts of self-acceptance and individuation deeply influenced my collection. I designed it to take the viewer on a journey of individuation, starting with a cocoon to symbolise the beginning of self-discovery. The subsequent designs explore the inner reflections and experiences within the cocoon, culminating in a final garment that represents a butterfly emerging, symbolising the complete individuation process.
What role do techniques like embroidery and beading play in your collection, and how do they contribute to its overall message?
Storytelling plays a crucial role in my collection, and embroidery has long been used as a form of visual storytelling. I wanted to incorporate this historical technique to enhance the narrative aspect of my work.
I have a deep appreciation for intricate details, and beads provide the perfect medium to showcase this. By using beads in my embroidery, I can create detailed symbols that visually communicate psychological experiences. This approach allows for consistent visual language throughout the collection, ensuring continuity and depth in the storytelling.
How do you envision ‘In the Attic’ influencing the emotions and perceptions of those who experience your collection?
The aim of ‘In the Attic’ is to showcase we all face similar emotional experiences and mental health challenges, often feeling isolated. This collection aims to reflect those common experiences, allowing us to see parts of ourselves in each piece. Each look represents universal emotional experiences, encouraging a shared understanding and acceptance.
The ‘Protection Coat’ is adorned with colourful beads, 3D spikes, and an intricately beaded armour symbol. How do these elements enhance the garment’s symbolism and overall message?
The ‘Protection Coat’ is adorned with colourful beads, 3D spikes, and an intricately beaded armor symbol, all of which enrich its symbolism and overarching message of security and comfort.
From the viewer’s perspective, these elements serve to visually communicate a sense of protection The armor symbols visually communicate protection, while the spikes in the coat resemble natural defenses seen in animals that use spikes for protection. Additionally, the colors of the beads reflect those used in previous designs, symbolising awareness of various aspects of oneself.
From the wearer’s perspective, the coat offers physical comfort with its soft, fluffy texture providing warmth. The weight of the beads mimics the calming effect of a weighted blanket, offering reassurance and soothing anxiety.
What is the inspiration and symbolism behind the painted tree and gradient ruffles on the ‘Beneath the Surface’ gown, and how long did it take to create?
Inspired by the acceptance of all facets of oneself, which is symbolized by the gradient ruffles representing the different colors of one’s identity. The tree, with a detail of an acron hanging from its branches, embodies shadows transformed into sources of strength rather than distress. The acorn hanging from the tree symbolizes the human psyche’s resilience in regenerating itself even after trauma.
Roughly estimated, it took around 300 hours to complete. However, crafting this gown was a labour of dedication where days blurred together, and I lost track of time.
How long do you usually spend on garments that feature a lot of beadwork, and what challenges do you face during their creation?
Creating garments with extensive bead work is indeed a meticulous and time-consuming process. Each piece becomes its own marathon, often spanning weeks focused solely on beadwork.
Regarding the challenges encountered in creating this work, to be honest, from the moment I initially sketched my designs and committed to using beadwork embroidery, I was fully aware of what I was getting into. It meant countless hours dedicated to meticulous work and continuously summoning the willpower to persevere, ensuring I was always well-prepared with the necessary materials. Once I had embarked on this path, there was no turning back; I was committed to seeing it through to the end.
How did you decide on the materials and colours used in this collection?
I selected materials and colors for this collection based on my fascination with fabric details and textures. Each fabric, colour, and silhouette was chosen deliberately to convey a narrative, enabling wearers to engage with the story through both visual aesthetics and tactile sensations.
Do you plan to expand on the themes explored in “In the Attic” in your future work?
I will be expanding into a jewelry and accessories line inspired by the ‘In the Attic’ collection. However, for my next fashion collection, I’m also eager to explore a world beyond the cocoon.
How has working on this collection impacted your perspective?
Working on this collection has deeply impacted my perspective by allowing me to explore and express personal experiences and emotions through design. It has reinforced the power of storytelling through fashion and how garments can serve as vessels for conveying complex narratives and emotions. This process has also heightened my awareness of the universal aspects of human experience, particularly in terms of emotional resilience and self-acceptance. Overall, it has enriched my understanding of the intersection between creativity, personal growth, and the ability of fashion to communicate profound messages.
Were there any specific challenges you faced while creating this collection, particularly in terms of design and execution?
I had a lot of fun creating my first collection, though not without its challenges. I faced many sleepless nights and moments of anxiety and uncertainty, questioning whether my designs would meet my expectations or would be good enough. For one of my designs, the construction was incorrect, requiring me to start over from scratch. Despite these difficulties, I did have someone around me who provided honest feedback and grounded me through the process whom I am extremely grateful for.