Rediscovering and redefining the Past
At Zeus+Dione we remain committed to a more sustainable future of fashion. The launch of the Z+D HS Upcycled Initiative coincides with our desire to rediscover and redefine our past, while reflecting on what is of value and to whom. Our initiative embodies the need for different narratives and attitudes—ones that orient fashion towards longevity, the preservation of nature and the appreciation of human labour.
For this, we design without restrictions, creating a limited-edition capsule collection. Every piece is unique and made in a combination of existing fabrics and archival items, deconstructed or sewed back together, acquiring new life and new meaning.
For 2022 High Summer season, the starting point was some archival silk tablecloths from Mouchtaridis, Z+D’s artisan silk manufacturer. Entirely hand-embroidered with motifs inspired by local traditions, these tablecloths are made by the peasant women of the Pomace community in Northern Greece, to earn pocket money during the winter. Each one is intricately embellished with stems, petals, leaves and paisley embroideries. Tradition has it, they were given as dowry to the newlyweds for their new home.
The creative challenge was to use these square and rectangular tablecloths without altering them, holding on to the aesthetic features but giving them a new form. Thus, they have been sewed and reassembled, in the shape of a dress, redefined and reinvented.
Sleek feminine silhouettes in maxi length, ivory hues, seductive V-necklines, and deep slits, make these sumptuous dresses an ideal garment for a day to evening transition or even an alternative option to the standard wedding dress. The signs of age on the fabric are evident, embodying their past and their realness, bringing to light their authenticity and narrating a tale. Their tale.
