April 2024 Editorial
For me, fashion is and remains a dream, not just a necessity.
After many years as a fashion journalist and now as an entrepreneur, I continue to be moved and enchanted by the runway shows of the great Maisons, which tell a story that goes far beyond the clothes themselves. Fashion represents the narrative of the world we live in and the changes in our society, expressed through style and the messages that designers convey through their creative work.
Lately, we have been witnessing increasingly sudden and unmotivated changes in the creative direction of major brands—from Dries Van Noten’s retirement to Pierpaolo Piccioli being replaced by Alessandro Michele at Valentino. These are small earthquakes triggered by the needs of large financial groups that move the universe of high fashion, looking primarily at the logic of profit. And a part of that dream seems to slip away…
We at Crida, who are a proud “crumb” of this world, continue to think of fashion as a world guided not just by money, but by the beauty of “Made in Italy” and the possibility of conveying social commitment alongside elegance. That is why I want to tell you about this new project. One that started a long time ago.
There is a place in Africa, in Zimbabwe, called Beitbridge. It is one of the most arid areas of the country, where the effects of climate change have had dramatic consequences on the local population. I visited it with Cesvi during one of the many trips I’ve taken with them—one that truly stayed in my heart. Ten years ago, an orange grove planted in this impoverished agricultural region thanks to Cesvi changed the community’s fate. Through the skillful use of water via special drip-irrigation systems, the small plants grew and bore fruit, bringing income and well-being to the people. And do you know what the most beautiful thing is? The fact that it was the women who dedicated themselves to this plantation—first working the fields and then, bit by bit, becoming entrepreneurs capable of helping all the families in the area through this company. What does this have to do with fashion?
I am talking about it today in this editorial because that place, and those women I met with their hands in the soil and small children held in slings on their backs, inspired an idea that has now become a reality. It is called Acqua (Water), fittingly, and it is a fashion project born from the meeting between Daniela and me with another woman from Bergamo, Dada Arrigoni—a designer who creates marvelous jewelry. Together, we thought of a collaboration dedicated to the female world that would have a positive impact. We wanted to do something that could bring a change, however small, to the lives of women.
Thus Acqua was born: an exclusive capsule collection of Crida dresses and Dada Arrigoni jewelry. 15% of the proceeds from this limited edition, which will be available on our website from April 19th, will be used by Cesvi for the agricultural development project in Zimbabwe. This project could extend to other areas and help other women and families fighting against drought and hunger.
Aqua green is the dominant color: a fresh and elegant shade featured in the long silk chiffon dress with silver fil coupé, created with summer evenings in mind, and in Dada Arrigoni’s iconic Happy Frog rings and bracelets. A precious yet easy-to-wear dress for many occasions, paired with special jewelry. But above all, a female-led mission that aims to raise awareness about water issues, climate change, and the resulting emergencies. Water gives life, green gives hope, and for us, fashion must always be the engine for a small positive change. Promoted by three women, for African women.
This is how the dream becomes a reality.
Cristina Parodi
To contribute to the project and for more information: www.cesvi.org
The Crida limited edition will be on sale online at www.crida.it
The Dada Arrigoni jewelry capsule will be available at the Maison in Bergamo and selected retailers: www.dadaarrigoni.com