Wearing One’s Roots

A style project to rediscover Ladin identity

"This piece celebrates the art of knitwear, the Ladin heritage, and a commitment to sustainability – offering a unique garment that tells a story and fits seamlessly into contemporary life."

My name is Diana Pizzinini, I’m 23 years old, and I was born and raised in Alta Badia, in the heart of the Dolomites.

The project I present here – my final dissertation – captures the essence of my culture: the history and traditions of the Ladin community, with a particular focus on the central role of women, who have always been the soul of the family. It was they who raised the children, supported their husbands, and, above all, safeguarded our language and passed on our customs.

My research focused on one of the most fascinating aspects of Ladin culture: traditional clothing. These garments are far more than decorative pieces – they are symbols of identity and memory. Every item tells a story, and every detail reflects the spirit of a community. This is not mass-produced fashion, but one-of-a-kind pieces crafted by hand using local materials.

I chose this theme because it feels deeply personal to me. Rediscovering elements of my past and recognising them in my present was an emotional journey. That’s how “Wearing One’s Roots” came to life: a project that aims to bridge tradition and modernity.

Wearing these clothes today is about more than just aesthetics – it is a gesture of respect for our culture, a way to honour what has been handed down to us, and a proud affirmation of who we are.

During my research, I had the privilege of meeting an elderly seamstress from my village – a true guardian of local tailoring traditions. Her stories and knowledge were an invaluable source of inspiration. In particular, she showed me a linen jacket, about a hundred years old, found in an old farmhouse. It was love at first sight.

That moment sparked the idea to reinterpret the garment in a contemporary key, using knitwear as a creative language. I conducted an in-depth study of shapes and volumes: the result is a jacket with clean, geometric lines and a minimalist, modern aesthetic. It is entirely handmade from a natural linen and cotton blend yarn, in black – a tone that echoes the original piece.

The photographs that accompany the project were taken by photographer Ellen Van der Sinne, to whom I extend my heartfelt thanks.

Diana Pizzinini