At Milan Fashion Week, designer Galib Gassanoff introduced his solo venture, Institution, with a collection that beautifully merges cultural heritage and sustainability. Known for his work with Act n°1, Gassanoff’s new project is a bold step forward, blending ancient traditions with modern upcycling techniques to create a thoughtful, artistic, and eco-conscious fashion statement.
A Tribute to Heritage and Sustainability
The collection, titled “EL”, draws deep inspiration from Gassanoff’s Georgian and Azerbaijani roots, featuring handcrafted textiles, intricate embroidery, and repurposed fabrics. By weaving together historical craftsmanship and contemporary design, he redefines luxury fashion with a focus on sustainability.
Key elements of the collection include:
✔ Hand-woven garments inspired by traditional carpet-making techniques
✔ Upcycled tartan blankets, transformed into structured coats and elegant dresses
✔ Quilted and layered designs that reflect the warmth and history of Georgian textiles
✔ Sculptural outerwear, including capes and shawls reminiscent of ancient shepherd attire
✔ Floral jacquard fil coupé pieces, creating an illusion of fur while remaining sustainable
A New Approach to Upcycling in High Fashion
Gassanoff’s approach to upcycling is not just about sustainability—it’s about storytelling. By reworking existing materials and giving them a new life, he challenges the notion of waste while celebrating the beauty of imperfections and history embedded in fabrics.
Milan Fashion Week Debut: A Visionary Showcase
The collection debuted at Bagatti Valsecchi Museum, a fitting venue that mirrored the fusion of history and modernity present in the designs. The show was attended by fashion insiders, sustainability advocates, and cultural enthusiasts, all captivated by Institution’s powerful narrative and intricate craftsmanship.
Fashion as Art and Social Commentary
Beyond being just a brand, Institution represents a movement—where fashion, culture, and sustainability intersect. Gassanoff aims to use his platform to foster conversations around heritage preservation, ethical production, and artistic innovation.
🔥 With Institution, Galib Gassanoff proves that fashion can be both meaningful and modern—rooted in the past while paving the way for the future. 🔥