Research, experimentation, and material innovation were at the heart of the end-of-year event at Istituto Modartech in Pontedera (Pisa), held on 25–26 June 2025. The event celebrated the emerging talents stepping into the fashion world. A Creative Exhibition, set up within the institute’s premises, showcased students’ design visions. The occasion also saw the presentation of the Modartech Talent Awards, recognising the most deserving students. Among the prizes awarded was the Leather Award 2025, presented by Lineapelle to student Anita Falorni (pictured), chosen for her collection Senza Età (Ageless).

The 2025 Leather Award

“I’ve always wondered what older people think of fashion, and what motivates them to buy their outfits”, said Falorni. “The common view is that the older you get, the more monotonous life becomes, with fewer hobbies or interests. I wanted to challenge that, so I conducted interviews at the Casa di Riposo (a retirement home, ed.) in Castelfiorentino, in collaboration with Auser in Gambassi Terme (Florence). I was curious to get to know an age group so different from mine — and it opened up a whole new world to me”. Through research and human connection, Anita Falorni challenged stereotypes. “My goal is to break down prejudices and conventional beauty standards in fashion”. Her collection invites reflection on the beauty and dignity of later life.

Eccentricity and freedom

Inspired by Iris Apfel’s style and her flamboyant freedom from social and aesthetic norms, Falorni celebrates boldness at every age. “My ideal woman has a wardrobe full of striking, high-quality vintage pieces that she enjoys wearing on any occasion. She doesn’t care about others’ opinions, because unlike younger people, she doesn’t feel the need to belong to a group. She wears what she wants”. The materials Falorni favoured in her collection included velvet and various types of leather, “from the most traditional to the most luxurious”.

Originality on show

Anita Falorni won the Leather Award 2025 thanks to the originality of her concept. “A collection that celebrates timeless fashion”, explains Giovanna Garavaglia of Lineapelle Training, “created by listening to people who may be older in years but remain youthful at heart — individuals who clearly recognised leather as a precious material capable of preserving their memories, thanks to its lasting nature”. As part of her prize, Falorni will be offered a dedicated exhibition space at the upcoming edition of Lineapelle Milano (23–25 September), where a selection of works submitted for the “Leather” category will also be on display.