Fashion - Bachelor

Vestigia

trophy Awarded

Vestigia is a collection inspired by Pompeii and its four wall painting styles. After exploring the ruins in 2024, I was inspired to reimagine ancient artistry and aesthetic through contemporary silhouettes, colour, and form. Bridging past and present while expressing my lifelong fascination with Pompeii.

Marco D'Ambrosio

Vestigia, translating from the Latin word meaning “traces”, is a collection inspired by the ancient Roman city of Pompeii and its four distinctive wall painting styles. I have loved Pompeii all my life and had the privilege to explore its ruins in 2024, an experience that deeply influenced and fuelled this collection. Pompeii’s decorative aesthetics traditions once reflected the city’s wealth, artistry, and devotion to visual storytelling. Each silhouette in Vestigia interprets one of the four Pompeian wall styles, translating their colour palettes, structure, and ornamentation into contemporary form.

Mamoris Dress

The Marmoris dress draws inspiration from the First Style of Pompeii wall painting, known for its imitation of marble blocks, bold colours, and geometric motifs all symbols of wealth and prestige in ancient Pompeii. Featuring intricate hand tambour embroidery and draped elements reminiscent of Roman attire, the dress reinterprets classical opulence through a contemporary lens.

Scaena Dress

The Scaena dress is inspired by the Second Style of Pompeii wall painting, renowned for its use of perspective, architectural illusion, and mythological narratives. Incorporating elements of nature and structure, the design reimagines ancient Roman frescoes through layered textures and form, capturing the depth and storytelling that once adorned Pompeii’s grand interiors

This collection invites you to reimagine ancient Pompeii through contemporary fashion, bridging the boundaries between past and present. Whilst expressing my love for Pompeii.

-Marco D’Ambrosio

Classico Set

The Classico set, featuring a jacket and pants is inspired by the third style of Pompeii wall painting, referencing refined elegance, solid colour fields, and delicate scenic details. Both garments feature bleach-dyeing and stencil techniques, while the jacket’s back showcases a hand-embroidered angel motif from Pompeii, merging ancient sophistication with contemporary craftsmanship.

Ornatus Dress

The Ornatus dress is inspired by the Fourth Style of Pompeii wall painting, which combines elements of the three earlier styles into one ornate and lively expression. Featuring silk hand embroidery and delicate tambour beading, the dress reflects the richness and decorative elegance of ancient Roman artistry.

Process

Throughout the creation of Vestigia, I explored a variety of couture techniques such as tambour beading, silk hand embroidery, and detailed surface embellishment. Each method was chosen to reflect the texture, depth, and ornamentation of Pompeii’s wall paintings, bringing historical artistry into a modern design context.kkkllkl

Marco D'Ambrosio

Marco D’Ambrosio is a Fashion Design student completing his graduate collection this year. Balancing his studies and growing social media presence, Marco showcases his knowledge of couture beading and craftsmanship. His work merges cultural heritage and contemporary design, reflecting a deep appreciation for detail and storytelling in fashion.