The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2024 - Issue 36

bitefashion A lberto Zambelli’s refined minimalism and contemporary Italian luxury marked a significant milestone at Keqiao Fashion Week 2024 inChina, celebrating the 30th anniversary of his design career and the 10th anniversary of his eponymous brand. His latest collection, Nexum , is a retrospective of his illustrious journey and a forward-looking exploration of connection, duality, and the art of understated elegance. Choosing Keqiao, a centre of textile innovation, as the venue for this landmark collection reflects the designer’s deep-rooted connection with the East. Over the years, he has found inspiration in Eastern aesthetics and philosophies, seamlessly blending them with Western design tradi- tions. This cultural synthesis is evident in Nexum , where Zambelli bridg- es the gap between different design sensibilities to create a collection that embodies contemporary luxury while honouring his Italian heritage. Nexum signifies bond or connection and forms the thematic founda- tion of the collection. The designer explores the interplay of contrasts of man and nature, masculine and feminine, matter and body, translating these abstract concepts into wearable art through his design mastery. The collection features precise tailoring and luxurious materials like Nappa leather and raw wool, transforming each garment into an experience that resonates with the body and the mind. Minimalism, often misunderstood as simplicity, is redefined in the col- lection as a complex dialogue between grace and strength. Every cut and texture is meticulously considered, resulting in pieces that speak in subtle tones yet leave a lasting impact. Leather, for instance, becomes a medium for a sensory experience, creating what he describes as "a symphony of emotions at the touch”. Complementing the leather pieces is Zambelli's innovative use of knit- wear. Soft, embracing yarns are intricately woven to transform the con- cept of connection into a tangible, warm embrace. These garments are an invitation to experience comfort and beauty in a world that often feels fragmented and disconnected. The colour palette is inspired by the earth, featuring shades like Caviar, Rock, Lime, Moss, and Sienna Earth. These natural hues evoke a deep