"I believe that fashion can play a positive role in reconnecting us to nature and ourselves through the clothes we wear – contributing in this way, to the health of our planet and our own. I first choose the materials and then start designing. They are always good materials, suitable for a changing climate. Garments are our second skin after all."

– Marina Elli, founder and designer of Magata

I first had the vision for MAGATA during the pandemic in July 2020, while escaping to Greece to be closer to the sea and the sky. Nature always inspired me in terms of inclusivity, self-expression, versatility and resilience.

At the time I had been working as sustainable design consultant in the fashion industry for the previous 5 years and felt the need to further contribute to better fashion with the mean to represent the physical and tactile world – a rare form of communication that we are lacking of more and more in our digital era.

It’s been quite a journey, but the core principles have remained the same: namely, now is a time for action. More than ever, we urgently need sustainable solutions; not only in how we source our energy, but also in the spheres of culture, design, and health. This was the initial stimulus for MAGATA, and since then I have critically examined how to do things, in the urgent need of finding a balance between the natural world and our urban lifestyles.

Of course, when I first started MAGATA I thought it would be easier, and faster. But I’ve come to realise when you design pieces that celebrate slowness, it feels wrong to expect everything to happen at once.

Now that it’s finally ready, the Collection showcases unique limited-edition garments, made entirely from linen, hemp, and organic cotton fabrics. These are high-quality fibres with a gentle touch on the skin, chosen to create an intimate and sensual contact between nature and our bodies.

At the beginning we will start off with pre-orders and a small amount of stock, and then we'll work with a made-to-order system.
Here’s why:

Sustainable clothing handmade in Italy

Local and Handmade

To promote the heritage of local artisans, all of our pattern cutting and sewing is done by hand in Italy in small family-own workshops, that we visit regularly. As for the design, concept, marketing, packaging, and general running of the business, we do everything from our Berlin studio.
A pre-order system helps us to cut down on outsourcing, and stay true to the local ethos of the brand. We believe that exclusivity is the key to minimizing waste.

Organic white hemp fabric

Healthy fibers

Only animal and plant-based fibers are used for production, which are rapidly biodegradable and have the potential for circularity. They are also much healthier on the skin: soft and gentle, they breathe and adapt to our bodies, protecting us from allergies, absorbing moisture, keeping us cool in the summer and warm in the winter – helping us to create seasonless styles.

Mineral natural pigments natural dyes

a color palette defined by nature

The same way we don’t want heavy metals or toxins in our food, we also don’t want them to touch our skin. With the desire to reduce and concentrate on character we use mineral colors and rich textures – without feeling the need to add more. Our emphasis is on GOTS certified natural pigments that bring ease to our mind and feel warmer than things that are finished and polished and everything – bringing us closer to nature – and ultimately offering what you are wearing a really sumptuous and luxurious feeling.

reduced waste

The world is full of unwanted fashion garments that have been produced and never used. We don’t want to contribute to that. Instead, our pieces represent a lifestyle and form part of a permanent Collection that is meant to be expanded slowly, not replaced.

We use archive, deadstock and off-series materials, which means we integrate fabric scraps and leftovers that would otherwise go to landfill. This results in a limited number of some designs and a few unique pieces.
So, if you fall in love with something, be quick!

Magata is open to collaborations and consultancy, we invite you to contact us.