🌟 Local pride at the Sicily Fashion Week: Mariapina Sparacio enchants with her talent and brings honor to the name of Cammarata/San Giovanni Gemini

In the heart of Palermo, under the elegant lights of La Rinascente and amidst the applause of an enthusiastic audience, the second edition of the Sicily Fashion Week took place — an event that celebrates craftsmanship, fashion, and the creative excellence of our land. A special occasion that brought together the best of Sicily’s young tailoring talents, thanks to the initiative of Confartigianato Imprese Sicilia and the “Young Talents” contest, which gave space to emerging designers from various fashion schools across the island.

Among them, our very own Mariapina Sparacio stood out with remarkable strength. A fashion designer from Cammarata and San Giovanni Gemini, she proudly secured third place in the competition thanks to an extraordinary gown — a true tribute to Sicily and Mediterranean femininity. It was worn on the runway by a professional model, but with every step, the unmistakable signature of its creator shone through.

👠 Sicily Fashion Week 2025: when fashion tells the story of Sicily

Sicily Fashion Week is now one of the most important showcases for those who wish to express their style through Sicilian identity. The event opened with the “Young Talents” contest, hosted at La Rinascente in Palermo, where emerging designers presented their creations before an expert jury. Among the winners, Mariapina Sparacio earned a spot on the podium with an intense and refined proposal.

This achievement secured her a place in the final runway show, held on Sunday evening at the evocative Stand Florio. Her gown opened the gala night, worn with elegance and confidence by a model who perfectly embodied the message of the designer. The atmosphere was electric: over 800 spectators — including industry professionals, fashion enthusiasts, and media — attended an evening that celebrated the very best of Sicilian sartorial creativity.

👗 Mariapina Sparacio: the heart of a designer who stitches the soul of Sicily

Mariapina Sparacio didn’t just design a dress — she told a story.

Her story. The story of a young woman raised in the mountains of Cammarata and San Giovanni Gemini, where fashion isn’t just a runway, but a vocation born from needle, thread, and authentic passion.

“Fashion has been part of me since the beginning,” says Mariapina. After earning her diploma, the call of sewing became stronger and stronger. There were no certainties, but there was a deep desire to create something with her own hands. In a region where starting a business is not always easy, she chose to stay, to study, and to believe in the value of craftsmanship.

Aware that talent must be supported by technique, Mariapina decided to refine her skills: she attended pattern-making and moulage courses in Rome and Milan, and today she continues her training at the Accademia di Moda Burgo in Palermo — a school that values creativity through solid sartorial foundations. Each step has brought her closer to a dream that becomes more real every day: to create true beauty, for real women.

Mariapina believes that fashion should adapt to the woman — not the other way around. Every body, every shape, every story deserves to be celebrated. Her stylistic vision is inclusive, emotional, and designed to make every woman feel powerful and beautiful in her own unique way. Her garments don’t impose an ideal form; they express identity, strength, and femininity.

The creation presented at Sicily Fashion Week is both a personal and stylistic manifesto: a long black gown with red lace inlays, rich in baroque details, crafted on a tulle base that plays with transparencies and bold lines. A fusion of energy and mystery, inspired by the Mediterranean woman and the land Mariapina deeply loves.

“This dress fully represents me,” she explains. “It’s a statement of creative power, mental clarity, and a strong sense of belonging.” And indeed, with every step the model took down the runway, it felt like a piece of Sicily itself was parading — stitched with love and talent.

Mariapina Sparacio is the perfect example of how talent, when nourished by passion and education, can flourish even in places far from major fashion hubs. Her story teaches us that believing in ourselves, in our identity, and in our roots can take us far. With her needle and thread, Mariapina stitches dreams and beauty. And we, as a community, can only support her and applaud her journey.

Interview with Mariapina – Fashion as a Form of Belonging

Mariapina, when did you realize that fashion would be your path?

There wasn’t a specific moment. I just knew that sewing made me feel good. It was—and still is—an activity that shapes my patience, because tailoring requires discipline, study, and dedication. At first, I didn’t know how things would evolve. After earning my diploma in chemistry and biology, which had nothing to do with fashion or tailoring, I decided to take a garment-making course. That’s where my curiosity began, pushing me to want to learn more and more.

How much have your roots in Cammarata and San Giovanni Gemini influenced your creative vision?

A great deal, actually. From the simplicity of life in these two towns, with their mountain constantly reminding me where I come from, I try to create garments with the same solidity—tailored pieces you rarely see anymore. From the Arab and Norman influences these lands have undergone, I draw inspiration for more refined designs. But most of all, I’m inspired by the desire to make these two towns known beyond their borders.

What does “craftsmanship” mean to you? Is it just a technique, or a mindset too?

Craftsmanship is definitely a technique—something you have to learn and nurture. But if you don’t put your heart and mind into it, it becomes something automatic. When you use technique, mind, and heart together, emotions take shape through cuts, volumes, and embroidery. Craftsmanship is about creating not just garments, but also character, paths to follow, ambitions to achieve—all with your own hands.

You trained in major cities like Rome and Milan. What did you take away from those experiences?

Definitely valuable knowledge, but more than anything, I learned humility. I met professionals who could easily have become arrogant because of their skills, but instead, they shared their knowledge with incredible grace and kindness.

How important is it for a young designer to keep learning and evolving?

Education is essential, and I constantly strive to improve—both technically and creatively. I’m currently studying at the Istituto di Moda Burgo. Also, being surrounded by young people means that even simple conversations about fashion can become powerful sources of inspiration.

Your message is clear: every woman deserves a dress that enhances her. Where does this philosophy come from?

It comes from being a woman searching for beauty. Each of us has something special inside, and seeing ourselves well in the mirror, feeling good in our own skin, is a form of respect we owe to ourselves. I’m not talking about wearing big-name brands—it’s not the logos that should make us feel good. What we wear should adapt to our bodies to highlight who we are—not to show off, but to reflect and reconnect with ourselves. It’s a big challenge, but I repeat: the dress should fit us, not the other way around. We shouldn’t conform to fashion standards—we can take inspiration, but we must create our own dimension.

How do you approach the challenge of dressing different body shapes and making every figure feel beautiful?

Honestly, I don’t see it as a challenge. When I design, I already know what kind of personality and body shape the garment could be intended for—not a specific person, but a type. I imagine who might wear it and feel empowered by it.

Tell us about the emotion of participating in Sicily Fashion Week and placing among the winners of the “Young Talents” contest.

I joined the “Young Talents” contest, promoted by Confartigianato through the Istituto di Moda Burgo, without expecting anything—just hoping to gain experience and share my creative vision. When I heard my name called, I felt surprise first, then a mix of joy and trembling. I also have to thank Sofia, who walked the runway beautifully and enthusiastically wore my design.

What did you feel when your dress opened the fashion show at Stand Florio?

Opening the Sicily Fashion Week show at Stand Florio alongside my fellow designers was an intense emotion. Even though the event is still young, knowing that my work had been appreciated by industry professionals made the experience even more meaningful.

What message did you want to convey with your red and black dress? What does it represent for you?

With my red and black gown, I wanted to tell the story of Sicily—as a woman, shaped by a blend of Greek, Norman, and Byzantine influences, and rich in baroque monuments. The boning in the dress evokes Greek columns, symbolizing strength, stability, and structure. The embroidery, created from two distinct pieces that come together harmoniously, recalls the opulence of Sicilian Byzantine-Baroque art. The mermaid cut evokes the generous shapes of Mediterranean women—elegant, strong, proud, and tenacious. The black tulle base speaks of lightness—not frivolity—and the mystery of womanhood. Red is a powerful color, representing energy and passion. But to me, this isn’t just a dress—it’s a declaration of strength, a tribute to Sicily and its culture, woven into every fold of the fabric.

How difficult (and rewarding) is it to run a creative business in a small Sicilian town?

It’s very difficult. You have to earn people’s trust—they place their dreams and important moments in your hands, and you know that their happiness depends, in part, on you. But when you see their smiles and feel the satisfaction of having made someone happy, it’s absolutely worth it.It’s challenging because people are used to fast fashion and mass production. It’s challenging because I always have to search for materials that aren’t available locally.But it’s beautiful because I don’t want to leave my town—I want to carry it with me wherever I go, and hopefully make it shine.

What is your dream today? What do you envision for your future in fashion?

It’s the same as always: to create. I envision a future where my creations are recognizable, with a strong, distinct identity.

Is there a message you’d like to share with Sicilian girls who, like you, dream of working in fashion?

First of all: dream. Have perseverance and a goal to pursue—even if it seems too big or impossible. You need dedication, patience, curiosity, humility, and the belief that you can make it.But the biggest message is for the families: encourage, support, and accompany. Because even though fashion shines, it’s a tough world.I’ve been very lucky in this. My family—especially my mother—has always supported me in this journey. And my husband, who’s now a trusted collaborator, has always valued and uplifted my strong passion for craftsmanship and fashion.

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