Pisa: ‘An extra chromosome of love’ is born, the fashion collection created together with people with Down syndrome
“My sister taught me that there are different points of view, that you can see things and facts also from another perspective, that each of us needs our own time and our own ways”. Lisa Orsini she is 22 years old, she is a student in Fashion Design and she conceived the collection “An extra love chromosome”, realized thanks to the contribution of three people with Down (his sister Daniela, Irene Vettore And Lorenzo Viegi) who participated in the design of the models and “thanks to the Aipd guys (Italian association of Down syndrome people ed), Pisa office, who wanted to be involved “.
“I decided to do this job when I was in eighth grade, in Cascina – recalls Lisa alFatto.it-. I enjoyed drawing clothes in notebooks. Then I chose to attend a higher vocational college andModartech Institute of Pontedera“. The idea of developing the collection was born instead in full lockdown, thanks to her older sister, Daniela. “She too is an artist: every day she draws the same drawing in her notebook, but in different variations, colors and with some differences”. It was during the pandemic that Lisa saw Daniela’s designs with new eyes and decided to create a collection bringing Down syndrome into fashion. “I collected a drawing of each of the boys of the AIPD Pisa association, which represented their favorite thing, which explained what they love to do”. It was not easy to find the fabrics: Lisa and her companions found themselves at the beginning of 2021 to go around every store and warehouse in the Tuscany with the restrictions that were advancing more and more: “We hoped not to catch the carabinieri – he smiles -. Even if you could go out for work reasons “.
Telling the best of Down Syndrome was a process that cost a lot of research. “After several days studying the collection, they came to a conclusion: I thought I’d let the boys choose who should become the style of the clothes”. Lisa has prepared a survey with options to choose from for each garment, for the colors and for the women’s and men’s versions. The designs were transformed by Lisa into digital, to then be printed on fabric. The result? A colorful collection that combines fabrics such as Indian shantung silk, linen, recycled polyester, cotton crochet. A collection that, according to written by Lisa in her thesis, how much it expresses “the personality, tastes and point of view of each participant, to sensitize the society with the normal aspect of the classic fashion shows that diversity is synonymous with normality”.
The collection was presented at the end of October in Milan as part of the contest dedicated to students from design and fashion institutes within the Fashion Graduate Italy. “I promised the two boys from the association to bring them. We have succeeded“. Now that the exams are over, Lisa’s days are divided between the writing of the thesis and the orders on commission that she realizes also thanks to embroidery machine. In January, however, the discussion of the thesis will take place.
Fashion for Lisa is a way to tell a story. “I would like to contribute in many social actions, I would like one day to help the countries living in underdeveloped countries. Another goal that I have set myself within the year is to help clean the streets and beaches, because it makes me feel good to think I can help our planet ”, he continues. His dream is to work in a company to continue this path, but also to open a own brand. First online, then, if physical, be successful, even as a shop. When the boys and girls of Aidp Pisa got on the Milan catwalk, Lisa followed the show behind the scenes. Very embarrassed, at the end of the event, she went out with Irene and Lorenzo, with tears in her eyes, only to burst into tears. “I remember the drawings my sister Daniela and I did when we were little. Now that we are here, we don’t want to stop ”. It is difficult for Lisa to carry theinclusiveness “In the exclusive environment par excellence”, but the presence of models with Down syndrome on the catwalk launches a strong and clear message of inclusion. “After all, who are we to define what normality is, what is beauty? In fashion – he concludes – there is room for everyone “.
Picture of Rachele Terziani