The fashion of reuse enchants Frasso Sabino: the most awaited upcycling show

Frasso Sabino, a charming village in the province of Rieti, once again hosted an event that blends creativity and sustainability: the fashion show featuring outfits made from recycled materials.

This annual event is not only a celebration of creativity but also a powerful ecological message: nothing is thrown away, nothing is wasted.

Every year, Frasso Sabino welcomes us with a setting carefully decorated with reused scrap materials by the Pro Loco Frasso, helped by friends and volunteers. This year, the wind-swept fabric scraps, a textile monument reminiscent of the “Venus of the Rags,” mannequin chandeliers, and wardrobes serving as doors strongly emphasize the theme of sustainable fashion.

In the picturesque setting of the medieval village, the audience admired unique creations that demonstrate how what we consider waste can be transformed into runway fashion.

The initiative kicked off with an upcycling and creative reuse workshop we organized together with artisan and seamstress Irina Mariana Andronic. Participants witnessed the transformation of forgotten garments into runway outfits, all in the name of sustainability.

Following this, the talk “Upcycling, Reuse, and Quality” enlivened one of Frasso Sabino’s squares, decorated with recycled materials for the occasion. Among the guests, Erasmo Fiorentino, official stylist of Miss Universe, Sara Piccinini Leopardi of Resrcle, and Silvia Filippi of Accademia di Ecologia ed Arte Riarteco APS, discussed with us the importance of a sustainable approach in the fashion world.

 

 

 

After an outdoor dinner celebrating local cuisine, the fashion show came to life, hosted by the veteran presenter Viviana Rapisarda, showcasing extraordinary creations to the public. This year, we were on the jury again, tasked with the difficult job of evaluating increasingly elaborate and innovative outfits.

The first prize went to “Allegria” by Valeria Zingaretti, a dress made from fabric samples collected since 2016. The second place was awarded to “CD…spiace” by Alessandra De Angelis, Simonetta Ruggeri, and Nadia Pellacci Puglielli, created from old CDs, curing sacks for salami, and tights. The third prize was given to “Lorelei” by Alejandra Deaza Silva, crafted from a children’s inflatable pool.

Other standout creations included the dress by Graziella Cestari and Eugenia Benedetti, made from grandchildren’s toys, and the one by Francesca Niata, created from an umbrella. Rossella Calbi and Antonella Ragno impressed with a dress made of cutlery, placemats, tea wrappers, and plastic bags, while Donata Claps presented “R..esistere,” symbolizing water, life, and resilience. Silena D’Angeli from the Angelita Anti-Violence Center in Rieti proposed a dress made of book pages and newspaper, conveying a message of women’s rebirth. Maria Grazia La Terza surprised with a dress made from Easter egg wrappers, disposable tablecloths, and dental placemats, showing how unusual materials can become fashion. Finally, Tiziano Cioccolini presented “Black Swan,” a sensual dress created from X-ray plates from the 1980s.

We decided to gift two strategic consultancy sessions to the artists chosen by the public vote to guide them in realizing their projects. The prize was won by the dress “CD…spiace,” which captured the audience’s hearts with its sparkling combination of old CDs.

Frasso Sabino, with its cobbled streets and timeless atmosphere, proved to be the perfect stage for this event. The village, known for its beauty and the hospitality of its inhabitants, successfully highlighted the initiative, attracting visitors and fashion enthusiasts. Each year, we participate with enthusiasm in this initiative, which not only raises awareness about reuse, recycling, and upcycling of various materials but also enhances the charm of Frasso Sabino. An event that demonstrates how fashion can be creative and respectful of the environment.

 

Photos: cover picture, Giorgia Arosio @arsgiox ; Dress ECOde