For the first time this year, another dimension will be added to the Move On Festival: Fashion (in italian: “Moda”).
Italy’s fashion influences the world and that is why MOVE ON MODA will bring to you the expertise of an Italian fashion designer deeply rooted in sustainable fashion practices: Valentina Sardella, founder of Pezzeculiar.
Objective
To design and produce a sustainable upcycled fashion collection, involving 5 Zambian aspiring fashion designers through a one-month creative residency. Candidates will be selected through the Zambian Fashion Revolution Contest 2025. Our aim is to provide a space for local creativity and innovation, while encouraging partnerships between Italian and Zambian fashion designers.
Context
Italy is a world leader in Sustainable fashion. Circular economy, waste management, responsible sourcing and an ethical production chain are all key drivers in the Italian fashion industry.
As the awareness of environmental and ethical problems grows in Zambia, sustainability is emerging as a key component of its fashion industry. Key elements include:
- Second-Hand Market Dominance: Zambia has a thriving second-hand clothing market, locally known as “salaula.” While this provides affordable clothing options, it raises concerns about the environmental impact of imported waste and its effect on the local textile industry.
- Traditional Craftsmanship: Zambia has a rich heritage in textile production and traditional techniques, such as weaving, dyeing, and embroidery. These skills present opportunities for integrating sustainable practices with cultural traditions.
- Youth Engagement: Young Zambian designers and students are increasingly exploring upcycling, ethical production and local sourcing as a response to global trends and environmental challenges.
- Advocacy Efforts: Organizations like Fashion Revolution Zambia are promoting transparency, ethical practices and sustainability, encouraging both consumers and designers to rethink the negative impact of fast fashion.
Zambia has therefore the potential to position itself as a leader in sustainable and circular fashion in Africa. Upcycling can transform waste into valuable products, reducing environmental pollution and landfill burden.
Furthermore, the project aims at revitalizing local craftsmanship by integrating traditional techniques such as weaving and dyeing into modern, upcycled designs. This supports cultural preservation while creating new markets for locally crafted goods.
What is the project about?
- One-Month Residency with Valentina Sardella (September 2025)
Selection Process:
- Open call for applications by Zambian fashion designers aged between 18 and 30 years. Here the link.
- Selection by a professional jury of prominent Zambian and international experts, who possess a combination of technical knowledge, cultural awareness, and a strong commitment to sustainable fashion practices.
Student Roles:
- Collaborate with the Italian designer (with the involvement of professional local designers as well) to create a capsule collection.
- Showcase and Celebration
Final Presentation:
- The capsule collection will be presented at a fashion show which will take place on September 27th at the Zambian-Italian Cultural Centre. The event will feature the upcycled collection and contest-winning garments.
Our partners are:
· Fashion Revolution Zambia
· Pezzeculiar
. Ku-Atenga Media
. Pr Girl Media
. Ragged Different