“Along the Path of Art and Soul – Made in Carcere Dresses #ANNA” brings together photography, fashion and social justice in a single, powerful visual narrative. Photographer Elisabetta Gazziero captures model and design student Anna Fielbal, alongside scientist Maude Jimenez Mermillon, wearing garments and accessories crafted by inmates in an ethical fashion workshop. This project, founded by Luciana Delle Donne, transforms discarded factory textiles into couture pieces, offering dignity and skill to women, men and minors in detention.
The genesis of “Made in Carcere”
Made in Carcere was born from a simple yet radical idea: to channel unused textile waste into purposeful work behind prison walls. Local businesses donate scraps and discarded fabrics to the brand, which then runs sewing ateliers inside correctional facilities. By training inmates in cutting, tailoring and design, the project provides valuable employment and helps restore self-esteem and community bonds.
Founder Luciana Delle Donne explains that every yard of fabric becomes “a second chance” – both for the material and for the people who handle it. The initiative has grown rapidly, garnering support from human rights groups and fashion insiders alike.
A visual journey on the Path of Art and Soul
For the campaign, Gazziero chose the Sentiero dell’Arte e dell’Anima in Pienza, an outdoor art installation created by the FUR Foundation, chaired by Swiss philanthropist Urs Rechsteiner. The path winds through olive groves and rolling hills, punctuated by stone sculptures that echo the raw textures of the garments.
The shoot’s aesthetic oscillates between light and shadow, day and dusk. The Super 8 and digital frames capture Anna Fielbal’s graceful movements in velvet coats, patchwork jackets and upcycled silk dresses. Maude Jimenez Mermillon appears in crisp white linen trousers and sculpted wool capes. Each piece contrasts elegantly with the rustic Tuscan backdrop, emphasising the transformative power of art.
The “Made in Carcere” method
The brand’s production cycle involves four key steps:
This “method-model” not only produces unique, limited-edition fashion but also fosters social reintegration and environmental responsibility.
Portraits of empowerment
Gazziero’s images highlight the campaign’s dual focus on dignity and creativity:
These portraits invite viewers to consider the humanity behind each garment, turning every stitch into an act of liberation.
Bridging art and social impact
“Made in Carcere Dresses #ANNA” is more than a fashion campaign – it’s a call to reimagine waste as potential and incarceration as opportunity. By showcasing the work of inmates in a creative context, the project challenges stereotypes and builds empathy. Fashion becomes a catalyst for change, advocating for second chances and circular production.
How to support and get involved
If you’re inspired by this initiative, here are a few ways to lend your support:
By engaging with Made in Carcere, you become part of a movement that redefines fashion as a force for social good and environmental stewardship.