The Visionary Fashion Narrative of Benedetti Life at the European Capital of Culture GO!2025

When Benedetti Life’s creations grace the runway, it is never just about fashion – it is a holistic artistic experience that speaks directly to the heart and consciousness.
As part of the European Capital of Culture GO!2025, an open-air spectacle under the stars in Nova Gorica brought to life a narrative that transcends fashion, addressing some of the most urgent questions of our time.

Photo: Arin Rapus

Under the direction of Nikola Zavišić and with the extraordinary dancers of MN Dance Company, the audience witnessed a multi-layered performance merging fashion, video art, theatre, movement, and sound.

Photo: Arin Rapus

The original music, created exclusively for this event by Anže Igličar (Proteus Noir), and the artistic video work by Filip Mikic, added depth to the experience.
This was not merely an aesthetic spectacle – it was a powerful artistic statement, taking the audience on a journey from cold industrial reality through the dark premonitions of apocalypse, and ultimately to a renaissance of light, compassion, and sustainable innovation.

MnDance Company , Photo: Arin Rapus

Designer Matea Benedetti, a pioneer of ethical and sustainable fashion, once again proved that fashion is more than just trends.
With her groundbreaking materials – olive and pineapple leather, fabrics made from seaweed, eucalyptus, waste, and recycled sources – she demonstrated that fashion can become a tool for sustainable transformation.

Photo: Andraz Fijavz Bacovnik

One of the evening’s highlights was the transformation of old garments belonging to Manca Košir and Dr. Jane Goodall into breathtaking haute couture pieces – a symbol of reuse, respect, and new beginnings.

Lara Komar, Photo: Andraz Fijavz Bacovnik

For Heineken, a brand that embodies openness, cosmopolitan spirit, and creativity, Benedetti designed two unique haute couture dresses made entirely from aluminum cans.

Cabiria Lizzi, Photo: Andraz Fijavz Bacovnik

On the runway, they came to life through the charismatic and daring performance of Zala Djurić, emphasizing Heineken’s commitment to creativity and contemporary urban energy.

Zala Djurić, Photo: Andraz Fijavz Bacovnik

Among the standout guests were Helena Blagne, dazzling in a white gown made from recycled plastic bottles, ballerina Assija Sultanov, and a moving musical performance by Boris Benko from the duo Silence.

Silence (Boris Benko), Photo: Arin Rapus

Helena Blagne, MnDance Company, Photo: Andraz Fijavz Bacovnik

Photo: Arin Rapus

The evening was further enriched by Lara Komar, who hosted the award ceremony for the “From Waste to Beauty” design competition.

Photo: Arin Rapus

Winners received prestigious opportunities, including mentorship through The Bicester Collection, participation in the Fashion Lab of Mittelmoda, an exhibition space at Art & Parfums Milano, the Gloss Media Award, the Heineken Innovation Award, and the special Benedetti Life Award for exceptional sustainable potential.

“Through fashion, I want to encourage a global shift towards conscious consumption, respect for nature and animals, and ethical aesthetics.
I believe that true luxury grows from pure sources and intentions,”
emphasized Matea Benedetti at the conclusion of the event.

Photo: Arin Rapus

As part of its sustainability mission, Benedetti Life, in collaboration with Impact Hero, planted one tree for every seat at the event – a symbolic act of hope and care for the future.

The evening closed with a symbolic finale: the Šavrini and Anka Šavrinke theatre group, with all members over the age of 75, confidently walking the runway in T-shirts carrying a powerful message:
“DON’T HARM, JUST CHARM.”

Šavrini and Anka Šavrinke, Photo: Andraz Fijavz Bacovnik

The new Benedetti Life collection, inspired by the majestic whales, is now available on the designer’s official website.

Photo: Ana Rojc

Thank you to our sponsors and partners: Heineken, Elle, Mič Styling, Oleatex, Bioworks, Hiša Franko, Movia, Humanic, Impact Hero, Gredič, Center Rog, Steklarstvo Loverčič, Elevate Center, The Bicester Collection, International Lab of Mittelmoda, Art & Parfums Milano, Gloss, Circular Change, Fakulteta za dizajn, The Circle & Qui Altrove

Art Director | Matea Benedetti
Director & Dramaturgy | Nikola Zavišić
Performers | Helena Blagne, Silence, MN Dance Company, Zala Djurić,
Lara Komar, Luka Markus Štajer, Luka Pangos, KikiFly, Šavrini in anka Šavrinke Gračišče Models | ZTmodels, Immortal Model Management

Music Producer | Anže Igličar | Proteus Noir
Set Design | Greta Godnič
Video Design | Filip Mikić
Lighting Design | Blackout Lighting Design
Hair | Mič Styling
Make-up | Tanja Vojnović , Barbara Fartek, Lucija Krajnik, Vangox
Shoes | Humanic 
Sound | Jure Vlahovič
Wardrobe | Nataša Recer, Helena Vidali
Assistant | Gaia Vlahović
Technical Director | Vlado Mihajlović
Executive Producer | Urška Končar