On the edge of the Venetian lagoon sits Lio Piccolo: a liminal space, where boundaries slip and change. Sky becomes sea, water becomes land. Even the light here is different: shimmering and refracting, a haze of pinks, blues and golds. Instead of the noises of the city, we hear the sounds of birds, of the breeze rustling the seablite, of the wavelets lapping against the shore.
It is this atmosphere of wild serenity that informs Parajumpers’ SS23 collection. The clothing reflects the sunlit beauty of Lio Piccolo, with soft, garment-dyed hues presented alongside vibrant shades of lime and violet.
The pairing takes inspiration from the vegetation found growing in the salty earth on the banks of the lagoon: muted tones punctuated by vibrant blooms. The materials used for the collection reflect this desire to live in harmony with the natural world, with jackets crafted from recycled nylon and cotton poplin.
A sense of spontaneity infuses the women’s collection. New ultra-light jackets come in airy, oversized fits with roll-up sleeves, ready for any weather. And to protect during unexpected showers, lightweight water-resistant jackets are crafted in laminated fabrics with partially taped seams.
There is a joyful femininity about these pieces that makes itself known in the detailing: defined waists, form-fitting tailoring, quietly luxurious fabrics. Carefree yet thoroughly practical, this ethos is also seen in the new jumpsuit, shorts and shirtdress, crafted from hardwearing biodegradable nylon and breathable cotton.
The men’s collection is defined by its playful interpretation of masculinity. Combining vintage military silhouettes, easy-to-wear fits and functional details, the garments are perfect for adventures on blustery spring days.
Lightweight yet practical, the items are rendered in soft suede, taslan poplin and stretch cotton-nylon ripstop for jackets, trousers and shorts that are ready at a moment’s notice.
And paying tribute to the influence of the lagoon on the collection is the aquatic camouflage print, inspired by the ebb and flow of the water.
The lagoon is a place outside of time, away from the demands of everyday life. Cycling, sailing, hiking: there is a quiet joy to this gentle rhythm. And it is here, where the sky meets the sea, that the Parajumpers SS23 collection is born.