Claudia Danna: Visions between the end and the beginning

This collection enhances femininity, strength and nature all in one smooth outfit. The materials used are all of high quality which mirror the insightful ideas put into each piece of clothing. Who knew the complexities of nature could be replicated on beautiful clothing?

Claudia Danna, born in Viterbo, Italy, now lives in Milan after finishing her BA in fashion design in 2013. All of her work is inspired by nature and the beauty it gives to the world, including the animal world, esotericism, alchemy and symbolism, giving a unique touch to the clothing. The simple materials such as rubber, plastic or resin are used to create a simple look that doesn’t overcrowd the eye, but still makes an impact on the wearer.

Her main focus, which is apparent through this collection, is her talent for embroidery and application upon her garments that shower them with individuality and her creativity, making outfits that are truly astounding. Many of her pieces are inspired by the avant-garde and ancestral ideas, making architectural symbols upon her work, all of which makes her brand not only stand out from the rest, but have more of a meaning.

This collection showcases “dresses hung in the duality of the dark, in the indefinite time between the darkness of death and the one where the seed germinates, telling the evolutionary stages of an uncertain and inescapable wait, comparable to that of the metamorphosis of a chrysalis”.

The materials of leather and embellished rubber are used to form a sense of armour around the clothing, giving an almost insect-like feel to it, but all the while keeping in line with contemporary fashion. The hard materials are used to contrast with the light silk chiffon, which is used to emulate the natural juxtaposition between hard outer shells, and delicate details such as wings on wildlife.

The neon yellow standing out upon the grey along with the array of patterns and layered materials gives a sport luxe feel, bang on current trend, however with A Bug’s Life twist, the carefully designed pattern upon each outfit, which becomes almost geometric offers a futuristic view upon modern style; the usage of inspiration from the in-between stage of life and death has created a beautiful and unique set of clothing that would not be easily replicated onto the high street in such detail. Keeping in line with this is the white set upon the black leather; this creates an intimate feel of the body, again showing the tender but strong unexplainable stages in life.

This collection turned so many heads that it was exhibited in “Altaroma Haute Couture” edition of July 2013 and won the “Fashion Award” Altieri Academy. All of this praise will no doubt be replicated yet again this year as we sit back and anticipate what they have for us next.

Tamara Massey
Photo: Courtesy of Claudia Danna/Andrea Pede

To look at the collection click here.