Orsola de Castro’s insights and practical teachings took centre stage at the For Better or For Worse workshop on Wednesday, 13 November, marking the second session of the ITS Go! Borderless for FVG Schools project. A designer, educator, author, and pioneer in responsible fashion, Orsola de Castro is co-founder of Fashion Revolution, a global movement advocating for transparency within the textile industry. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to raising awareness of fashion’s environmental and social impact.
The workshop, held in the spacious teaching hall of ITS Arcademy, specially set up with needles, threads, scissors and all the tools and materials needed for sewing and mending, offered a unique chance to inspire students. It turned fashion into a powerful vehicle for positive change. The session encouraged creative recycling and the use of eco-friendly materials, offering students new perspectives on sustainable fashion.
Each participant brought along a garment they no longer wear or a damaged piece with sentimental value. Repairing or creatively transforming these items to hold onto them for better or for worse was both a necessary and meaningful act, connecting students to traditional skills and techniques that are becoming increasingly rare in daily life. This practice allows mass-produced items to renew and even increase their value while contributing to a more ethical future.
The workshop also integrated a peer-to-peer learning approach, with a student from each group taking their knowledge back to the classroom to share with others. This process not only strengthens bonds among students but also promotes a collaborative learning environment.