Angela Carosone’s brand Ancòra transforms repurposed textiles into unique garments, reviving traditional dowries while promoting sustainability.
Angela Carosone, a designer with a vision for sustainable fashion, has launched her brand Ancòra, specializing in creating unique garments from repurposed textiles such as linens, tablecloths, and hand-embroidered fabrics. Based in Vasto, Italy, Carosone’s initiative breathes new life into traditional dowries that have fallen out of use, particularly in central and southern Italy. Speaking about the transformation of this traditional concept, Carosone noted that these textiles often end up discarded when homes are cleared, symbolizing a lost legacy of rich craftsmanship.
Carosone’s journey in the fashion industry began with a master’s degree focused on trend research in Milan, followed by positions at established brands like Les Copains and Antonio Marras. After returning to her hometown in Molise, she completed a course in sustainable fashion, which she admits “opened [her] eyes to the state of the system.” This new perspective ignited her innovative approach to fashion, leading her to recover high-quality materials rather than sourcing new fabrics.
The brand Ancòra, pronounced “an cò ra,” was officially launched in 2023 and has quickly gained traction. The name reflects a dual meaning: it evokes memories of the past while also serving as a lifeline in an era fraught with overproduction and waste. Carosone personally oversees her workshop operations, including material sourcing and brand communication, highlighting the significant role that social media has played in promoting her work.
A pivotal moment for Carosone came during her participation in Pitti in 2024. Displaying her designs sparked considerable interest and inquiries, particularly from clients expressing regret about already being married when they saw her bridal creations. This feedback prompted Carosone to explore the idea of transforming vintage dowries into sustainable wedding dresses. Her designs blend ethereal beauty with contemporary fashion sensibilities, drawing from the rich history of bridal attire that once incorporated the most exquisite pieces from family dowries.
Carosone emphasized that traditional wedding dresses are often viewed as highly unsustainable, given the considerable fabric required and the likelihood that they will never be worn again after the ceremony. While alternatives such as rentals are becoming more popular, particularly outside of Italy, there remains a strong sentimental attachment to purchasing wedding gowns, especially among Italian brides. Carosone noted that foreign clients, particularly from Japan and the United States, are often captivated by the concept of vintage dowries, as it is not part of their cultural experience.
The upcycled garments offered by Ancòra are unique and customizable, presenting minimal environmental impact due to their use of pre-existing materials. Upcycling, the creative act of transforming waste into something new, has evolved into a necessity in fashion circles to address the escalating textile waste crisis. This approach allocates a critical narrative to the garments that shape Carosone’s collection, inviting clients to view them not just as clothing but as storied heirlooms.
Garments from Ancòra are priced between 200 and 800 euros, with wedding dresses commanding higher prices due to the materials used and personalizations incorporated. Carosone describes her typical clientele as women aged 40 to 60 who appreciate unique designs, stating, “often – I say this with a heaviness in my heart – they are foreign.” This insight highlights the brand’s appeal to a market increasingly interested in personalized and sustainable fashion solutions.
Source: Noah Wire Services
