(Re)sources / (Hi)story / Project(ed) 

Orsoni and Designskolen Kolding: A Dialogue Between Art, Fashion, and History in the (Re)sources Project

The collaboration with Designskolen Kolding of Denmark for the project (Re)sources is a fascinating encounter between the art of mosaic, contemporary design, and cultural tradition. At the heart of this initiative lies the libretto of the opera Alessandro nell’Indie, written in 1726 by the renowned poet and playwright Pietro Metastasio. This Baroque masterpiece inspired numerous composers, including Handel, Johann Christian Bach, Hasse, and Vinci, creating a rich musical legacy that the students of Kolding School have masterfully interpreted.

This interdisciplinary course marks the conclusion of the students’ three-year academic journey at Designskolen Kolding (a requirement in order to graduate) and involves classes from all departments of Design: Fashion, Accessories, Textiles, Communications, and Industrial Design. Each department was called upon to interpret the project through the lens of design and craftsmanship.

Recovery and Reinvention: The Heart of the Project

(Re)sources is not just a design project, but a reflection on the value of recovery. Students are encouraged to explore the musical and theatrical legacy of the Baroque, intertwining it with the concepts of sustainability and the appreciation of traditional materials. Orsoni, with its precious glass enamel and gold leaf mosaics, and Lineapelle, which provided the materials for the creation of the costumes, played a crucial role in bringing this contemporary reinterpretation of heritage to life.

Characters and Neo-Baroque Imagination

The students worked on imaginative costumes for the main characters of the opera:
• Alexander the Great, the epic hero;
• Poro, the Indian king who emerges as a charismatic antagonist;
• Cleofide, the Indian queen caught between strategy and passion;
• Timagene, Alexander’s general and the dark antagonist of the plot;
• Gandarte, Friend and confidant of Poro, embodies loyalty, friendship, and moral support;
• Erissea, the embodiment of mystery.

These costumes are not philological reconstructions, but imaginative portraits that blend the Baroque with contemporary sensibilities, creating a visual dialogue between past and present.

From Milan to Venice: The Journey of the Projects

The projects were exhibited in February 2025 at Lineapelle in Milan, and will reach Venice at the end of August, where they will be displayed within the evocative spaces of the Orsoni furnace. There, with a site-specific installation designed in collaboration with fashion designer and course instructor Silvano Arnoldo, the costumes will harmoniously integrate with the architecture and history of the furnace, transforming it into a place of dialogue between art, design, and tradition.

With (Re)sources, Orsoni reaffirms its commitment to promoting the intersection of art and craftsmanship, keeping the mosaic tradition alive and expanding it into new creative dimensions. A project that celebrates the beauty of making and the power of design in telling timeless stories.

The event is part of the official program of Venice Fashion Week 2025, a festival dedicated to sustainable fashion that highlights the connections between fashion, craftsmanship, and the economy.

Orsoni furnace, Cannaregio 1045-1045 A, Venice
from August 27th to October 23th, 2025

By appointment only, Monday to Friday (from 2pm to 17pm), by writing to events@orsoni.com

A member of our team will introduce the exhibition project to the audience and will be available for any questions. Please note that the visit does not include the Orsoni furnace spaces.