Fabiola Soavelo
MFaFDS - Fashion Design and Society
Parsons School of Design
Graduates: 2023
Specialisms: Apparel / Womenswear / Accessories
My location: New York, United States
Fabiola Soavelo
First Name: Fabiola
Last Name: Soavelo
University / College: Parsons School of Design
Course / Program: MFaFDS - Fashion Design and Society
Graduates: 2023
Specialisms: Apparel / Womenswear / Accessories
My Location: New York, United States
About
Fabiola Soavelo is a multidisciplinary fashion designer, who grew up in Nosy Be, Madagascar, and relocated to Switzerland at age 10. She studied fashion at Central Saint Martins in London and then earned a merit-based scholarship for Parsons in New York. There, she honed her genuine design identity, culminating in her 'Fihavanana' collection upon completing her two-year Master's program. Influenced by her Swiss-Malagasy background, she merges minimalism from Swiss culture with the historical and natural essence of Malagasy heritage. Science fiction guides her exploration of this duality, while her designs reflect how colonial history and African roots shape body perceptions. Her collection harmonizes deadstock leather, raffia fibers, and intricate silhouettes, interweaving identity in expansive and snug forms.
Fihavanana is a Malagasy concept that is all about togetherness, getting along, and having tight connections with others. It is like the glue that holds Malagasy society together. Through Fihavanana I explore the duality of my Swiss-Malagasy heritage by harmonizing deadstock leather, raffia fibers, and intricate silhouettes, interweaving identity in expansive and snug forms. The exploration of this duality is guided by science fiction and results in designs that reflect how colonial history and African roots shape body perceptions.
Competitions
