Maria Valentina De Ponte

Category: Apparel

Competitions: International

The Cycle of the Suitcase reimagines the suitcase as a symbol of memory, identity, and permanence. Inspired by my grandparents’ migration journey from Madeira, Portugal, to Venezuela, the design explores the stories, traditions, and personal experiences that people carry across generations and borders. Created from repurposed whole cowhide leather, the garment challenges the fast-fashion cycle through durability, versatility, and emotional value. Designed to transform from a dress into a bag, it offers multiple functions within a single piece, encouraging long-term use and reducing the need for additional consumption. The design reflects the reality of migration, where only a few possessions can be carried, while suggesting that we ultimately become the keepers of our own invisible suitcases filled with memories, culture, and experience. Through craftsmanship, multifunctionality, and timeless materials, The Cycle of the Suitcase celebrates individuality while demonstrating how leather can create lasting garments that are cherished, repaired, adapted, and passed down rather than discarded.