Why were feminist movements born so late? The truth is that female solidarity has not been taught to us, let alone allowed, crushed by centuries of patriarchal authority. This is why, before talking about Victoria de Sury and Fabio Munis‘ photographic project, I want to quote a reflection by Carlotta Cossutta, contained in the essay Dolce o violenta che sia, a small biography by Elena Gianini Belotti published by Electa.

«Women, unlike other oppressed people, are not able to say we, to feel part of a collective subject capable of giving them the tools to subvert the situation. Women do not have a common history, a past, a moment to which to trace their oppression, which is, always, passed off as natural. Women live in the midst of men, bound by emotional bonds that make it difficult not only for women to show solidarity, but also to recognise their own subordination».

Reflecting on female solidarity, photographer Fabio Munis does so through sport and fashion. In his project It’s Women Made, he focuses on Monza’s Serie A women’s rugby team, known as ‘Le Ringhio’. Here emerges the raw energy and complicity of a group of women captured in their strength and resilience, which could turn the noses – if not frighten – of those who still maintain a stereotypical female vision.

Unity is strength, even among women

The Monza team, which has a rich history in women’s rugby, has faced challenges in recent years, especially after the pandemic, which led to a decrease in numbers. To keep their passion for the sport alive, the team joined forces with Rugby Parabiago 1948, known as Le Ombre. This collaboration between two teams symbolises the very essence of solidarity, making them ideal subjects for Munis’ project.

Why fashion?

The genius of Fabio Munis’ project lies in the intersection of sport and fashion to contrast the stereotypical vision of women, linked to clothing and shopping, with a more real vision of a strong, independent woman as part of a united and usual group. In It’s Women Made Munis integrates real moments of the game, with female athletes in their official uniforms, alongside scenes in which they are dressed in high fashion brands such as Chanel, Givenchy and Marc Jacobs. This fusion of authenticity and luxury creates a striking visual narrative that challenges traditional representations of both athletes and models.

Courtesy Fabio Munis & Victoria de Sury
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