What if the person sitting next to you in the library were an extraordinary photographer, poet or designer—and you never knew? Creative identity isn’t always something people announce. More often, it reveals itself through what we make: the clothes we design, the photographs we take, the words we write, and the images that shape our view of the world. As Hippocrene releases its first print edition, this student-led platform and independent magazine is turning its focus to Forms of Identity, exploring how fashion, photography, illustration, poetry, and design can become forms of self-expression. Founded at Istituto Marangoni to spotlight emerging talent, the project offers a glimpse into how a new generation uses creativity to explore, express, and reveal who they are. Here, Hippocrene team member Ishita Mukundan, a BA Fashion Design & Accessories student at Istituto Marangoni Milano, reflects on the inspiration behind the magazine, the community that brought it to life, and the importance of creating a space where different perspectives can be seen and shared.

What Is Creative Identity and How Do We Make It Visible?

Hippocrene was created with a simple vision: to become a platform that shines a light on the talent surrounding us every day. At Istituto Marangoni, we’re always crossing paths with other students in libraries, sewing labs, or cafeterias, often without truly knowing the ideas, stories, and identities they carry. Hippocrene aspires to bring those hidden talents into view.

Founded in 2023/24 by Lorenzo Landini, then a Fashion Business student at Istituto Marangoni, Hippocrene grew out of an observation that deeply resonated with our team.

“You see a lot of people in school working in the library or sewing labs, but you never really know their talents. There could be unread poems, unseen art, and unspoken thoughts sitting right next to you that you’ll never notice” – Lorenzo Landini, founder of Hippocrene and Istituto Marangoni alumnus

Hippocrene seeks to capture exactly that by creating a space where creativity can be discovered and celebrated.

Striking black-and-white fashion editorial from Hippocrene exploring identity, movement and self-expression through sculptural silhouettes and dramatic composition. Courtesy of Hippocrene.

Forms of Identity: What Makes Us Who We Are? 

Taking on the responsibility of continuing this project has been both a privilege and a challenge. As this year’s Hippocrene team—Ishita Mukundan, Dorothea Mela, and Iulianna Shilova—we set out to honour the legacy of those who came before us while also shaping an edition that reflects the voices of our community today. 

This year’s theme, Forms of Identity, arose from a question that feels increasingly relevant: What makes us who we are?

A theatrical Hippocrene editorial exploring fashion, performance and self-expression through an uncanny circus-inspired visual narrative. Courtesy of Hippocrene.

How Fashion and Art Become Forms of Self-Expression

Identity is often seen as something fixed. However, for this edition, we wanted to explore the idea that identity is not only openly expressed, but also becomes visible through what we create. Whether through fashion, photography, illustration, poetry, or design, each piece reflects a part of its creator. 

Some contributors explore identity directly through personal experiences, memories, culture, and self-expression. Others approach it indirectly through fashion, photography, illustration, poetry, and design. Together, these pieces remind us that identity is not always easy to define; it is something we continuously create, question, and discover. In many ways, identity lies at the heart of what makes us human, shaping how we see ourselves and how we leave our mark on the world.

A Hippocrene spread exploring coquettecore, fashion identity and digital femininity through visual culture, styling codes and personal expression. Courtesy of Hippocrene. 

Creative Collaboration: When Different Perspectives Come Together

Bringing this edition to life required the collaboration of talented writers, stylists, designers, photographers, and editors across Istituto Marangoni. Every submission offered a different perspective, and together they form a collection that celebrates both individuality and shared experience.

A visual essay from Hippocrene questioning AI-generated beauty, fashion representation and the shifting boundaries between image and identity. Courtesy of Hippocrene.

From Idea to Print: Hippocrene’s First Physical Edition

This edition is particularly meaningful because it marks the release of Hippocrene’s first printed publication. Seeing the magazine evolve from an idea into a tangible object has been incredibly rewarding. Every page showcases the creativity, dedication, and courage of students who have shared a piece of themselves with others. 

The Hippocrene digital edition is also available online.

An Hippocrene fashion spread connecting illustration, garment design and accessories as expressions of identity, craft and creative experimentation. Courtesy of Hippocrene.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the former Hippocrene teams for entrusting us with this opportunity and laying the foundation for what we have achieved. Our heartfelt thanks also go to our editors, contributors, and everyone who supported the project throughout its journey.

As we release this issue, we hope Hippocrene continues to be more than a magazine. We hope it remains a space where hidden talents are discovered, where different perspectives are celebrated, and where the many forms of identity that shape our community can be seen, understood, and appreciated.

Ishita Mukundan
BA Fashion Design & Accessories student, Milano
Hippocrene Team