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forte_forte loves mul olga: made in ukraine
forte_forte loves mul olga: the new upcycling capsule retrieves a tradition steeped in history from ukraine.
artisan values and research into timeless textures unite giada forte and olga mul in this special upcycling capsule that embodies the intimate and profound desire to reveal the beauty of a unique and authentic world of textiles, the heritage of a long–standing tradition.
the “forte_forte loves mul olga” collection is a journey to discover the wonders of a noble land, enshrined in the history of centuries-old fabrics and in the exquisite and meaningful details that imbue each garment with culture and elegance.
fabrics made of linen and hemp were crafted on hand looms between the end of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, with raw materials sourced directly from the regions of ukraine, while cotton was produced between 1945 and 1955. the secrets of this time–honoured craft have been handed down by the masters from generation to generation, since the very early days when each thread was dyed naturally using readily available raw materials such as the bark or roots of a tree, the leaves of a plant and its flowers, then boiled in a rye solution to prevent it from losing its colour for decades.
this new project embraces the value and heritage of textiles and garments from the archives, lovingly reclaimed and sewn by expert hands, bringing their memory back to life in an enlightened way, rich in handcrafted details and sophisticated finishes, drawing on treasured and varied hand-embroidery techniques.
every shape and ornament hints at local traditions, which attribute protective, magical and spiritual properties to the fabric: a valued garment to be worn like a sacred amulet. each item has been created based on original historical ukrainian pieces and fabrics, crafted by local communities, mixed with textures, ribbons, webbing and details from forte_forte's archives; all customised by hand.
the collection consists of different garments: dresses transformed into duster coats with elegant fringes, tops, embroidered shirts worn as dresses, bi–colour pareo skirts with lace details and multi–coloured rope.
every piece is unique and special, distinguished by the singularity of its embroidery, rendering it exclusive and precious. each decoration becomes a symbol through which we can touch the history and culture of every corner of the country.
a special outreach project also involves a female community here: the garments are entrusted to women who cut and sew vintage embroideries with love and dedication, making them come to life again. every detail, even imperfect, testifies to their identity and humanity, and helps to fortify the collective’s solidarity.
typical necklaces, hand-stitched and hand-embroidered dolls, each one different from the next, remind us of the tradition that considers them as good-luck talismans, linked to the family and signifying abundance and fertility; authentic heirlooms that are often passed from generation to generation.
hand craftsmanship is always a core value in our approach and we strive to convey it in each garment through its details, fabrics and materials. every small imperfection attests to the humanity and experience of each piece, enhancing its innermost value and making it unique.
a small selection of garments in original hand–embroidered vintage fabrics from olga mul’s personal exploration in uzbekistan completes the capsule.
here, too, an infinite love of nature is the underlying sentiment behind the designs inspired by the wonder of flowers, trees and natural forms realized on these iconic pieces.
embroidered fabrics dating back to 1980, intended as wedding gifts, would often leave spaces empty to suggest a never–ending story, entrusting fate with the task of writing it.
each item of clothing in this project becomes a testimony to the identity of a people, embodying its characteristic elements and symbolism. now, when touching and wearing these textiles, we can marvel at their history and culture.