How the Community of Itamaracá Island Fuses Fashion with Sustainability
From fishing nets to sandbags, a collection was developed from scratch with the local different generations.
Sustainable Fashion Editorial of Sossego, through the Brazilian project carried out by Cabrochas, promoted an artistic experience on Praia do Sossego, in Itamaracá Island, tropical island and municipality in Pernambuco, Brazil on the Atlantic Ocean. With the aim of empowering the community’s intellect and fostering an intergenerational exchange, the result of this meeting between artisans and creative youth is powerful in an exclusive editorial.
Maria de Fátima Nascimento, a guest artisan and crocheter, highlighted how recycling art empowers the community by transforming waste into useful items, especially in a beach area where recycling is crucial. She shared that the experience brought recognition and appreciation for her work, creating a positive impact on her relationship with her family. “People started to recognize me more and value my artisanal work,” she said.
Guilherme Silva, a visual artist, mentioned that the experience helped reuse and create new things, strengthening the connection with family and friends. According to him, the biggest challenge was the continuous practice of manual work and the network weaving, reflecting the loss of traditional knowledge. “Manual work requires continuous practice and learning something new will always be challenging.”
“I felt capable of everything! Knowing who I really am and knowing that I can increasingly assume my identity as a powerful Black person.”
To renew the world of fashion, Mariene Lima, a participant and daughter of artisan Maria José, commented on the importance of recycling for the community and how it sparked the residents’ interest in improving the place where they live. “Thinking of something new in the world of fashion is undoubtedly the most difficult part,” she said.
“I can’t imagine living anywhere else but Praia do Sossego [Itamaracá Island] today. It’s a place so rich in culture, full of life and beauty. I believe it has the potential to expand and showcase all these qualities to anyone who wants to know it.”
The Sustainable Fashion of Sossego project not only highlighted the importance of sustainable fashion but also strengthened community bonds, demonstrating how collaboration between different generations can yield inspiring and innovative results.