Casa Preti’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, aptly named “Ex Voto”, made a lasting impression during Milan Fashion Week. Creative director Mattia Piazza offered a fashion performance that seamlessly blended political symbolism and artistic expression, using the concept of voting as a metaphor for personal and collective choice. The result was a runway event that didn’t just present clothes but invited the audience to engage with the brand’s vision of freedom, change, and social responsibility.
A Political Gesture in Fashion
Staged at Piazza della Repubblica, the show transported attendees into an electoral setting, with models acting as citizens in an intimate, reflective voting space. With pencils in hand, the audience symbolically cast their votes on key societal values like love, family, and music, core elements of Casa Preti’s philosophy. This simple yet powerful act mirrored the essence of the collection: the personal choices we make—whether in fashion or life—can influence the collective fabric of society.
Volumes, Cuts, and Timeless Icons
The Ex Voto collection is characterized by its voluminous silhouettes and sharp cuts, reminiscent of historical figures like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People and Pellizza da Volpedo’s The Fourth Estate. These inspirations translate into structured, flowing garments that evoke a sense of empowerment and rebellion.
Each piece plays with the dualities of delicacy and strength, reflected in the color palette that moves from soft whites and grays to more vibrant pinks and oranges. The garments feature patterns that evoke the visual appearance of ballot papers, a direct nod to the act of voting that forms the foundation of the collection’s narrative.
Organic Fabrics for a New Era
As with every Casa Preti collection, sustainability remains at the forefront. Piazza uses organic fibers, ensuring that the collection is as mindful of the environment as it is of aesthetics. The designs, rooted in ethical Italian craftsmanship, reflect a careful balance of tradition and modernity. Piazza’s meticulous approach to sustainability highlights the brand’s commitment to creating fashion that not only inspires but also contributes positively to the world.
The Power of Choice
In an industry often focused solely on beauty, Casa Preti stands out by infusing its designs with deeper meanings. The SS25 collection invites reflection on the importance of choice—whether it be personal decisions or societal stances. By blending political themes with sartorial artistry, the Ex Voto collection becomes more than just a fashion statement; it is a call for freedom, individuality, and responsibility.
As guests left the performance, they weren’t just thinking about what to wear next season but about the power of the simple, everyday choices we all make. This is the essence of Casa Preti’s vision: fashion as a medium for dialogue, reflection, and ultimately, change.