Giallo come la ginestra, verde come il futuro: le nuove suggestioni delle fibre ritrovate

Abstract

Hemp, broom, and jute, reintroduced during the autarkic period as fibers both strong and flexible, made a significant contribution to the renewal of textile production, with an immediate impact on fashion and interior design. Traditional rustic plants, alongside the “fibers of the Empire,” inspired research, leading to the development of technological patents and new industrial brands. Their promotion ranged from major national exhibitions to the fashion pages of women’s magazines, which played a crucial role in shaping the collective imagination and refining taste through a language capable of speaking simultaneously to reason and emotion. The rediscovery of humble plant-based fibers as an essential resource for responsible fashion is now driven by the urgent need to transition away from high-impact production methods. The green revolution is bringing broom back into focus through research into eco-sustainable solutions and new forms of clothing. Following the narrative that underpins the development of modern green awareness, this study aims to highlight the relationship between continuity and innovation in the linguistic choices related to the promotion of new natural materials, presenting the initial results of a diachronic analysis of lexicographical sources and historical and contemporary specialized texts.