The Medea twins' new film is inspired by Andrei Tarkovsky and the Olsens

To celebrate the launch of Burberry’s Monogram puffer collection, Dazed partnered with the iconic British brand to spotlight young pioneers breaking boundaries across the globe. We asked four creatives to make a piece of work which responds to the ideas of weightlessness and freedom, all exhibited in a digital gallery, here

Creatives; models; twin sisters; Giulia and Camilla Venturini are the brains behind Medea, a rising accessories label whose simplistic luxe leather totes have quickly soared to It-bag status. Borrowing its name from the Pier Paolo Pasolini-directed film about the mythological Greek sorceror-priestess of the same name, Medea’s pieces have been spotted on the outstretched arms of everyone from Dev Hynes to Petra Collins, bolstered by artistic collaborations with Nan Goldin and Judith Bernstein.

When it came to Burberry and their contribution to Boundless, Giulia and Camilla Venturini returned to their past with a film made in collaboration with Milanese collective NOTEXT. Scored by producer, DJ, and PAN label-founder Bill Kouligas, the short follows twin sisters Jemma and Julia as they re-enact scenes of play from the Venturinis’ rural Italian childhood, with the two running through fields and hiding out in a (Burberry puffer-clad) den made for queens. “We used to spend a lot of time in small rivers building imaginary houses with random objects we would find on the road and at home,” they explain. 

Here, the Medea founders discuss the inspiration behind the film, growing up travelling the world, and what they'd do in a world without boundaries.

Where do we begin? Tell us Medea’s origin story.

Giulia and Camilla Venturini: Medea began in 2018 between New York and Milan. It came from the strong desire to collaborate on a creative project together. The initial idea was provocative and ironic: a leather version of paper bag. We started with one campaign, four images and four videos shot by Sharna Osborne and an artist collaboration with Nan Goldin.

You grew up near Lago di Garda and travelled from a young age. How did this untethered lifestyle influence your work?

Giulia and Camilla Venturini: The lifestyle we grew up with influences our perception about new and undiscovered things. We are drawn towards the unknown.

For Boundless, you’ve returned to memories of your childhood with a film which depicts identical twins Jemma and Julia, who play your younger selves, roaming free in nature… 

Giulia and Camilla Venturini: We decided to make a film about our childhood because the concept was freedom and lightness. We were lucky to be raised in a free and light environment. Spending most of our time outside playing in nature, building temporary homes to play in. It felt natural to take over the space around us with no restrictions. Freedom ruled our lives. The feeling we would like for people to have when they watch the piece is freedom with no boundaries.

Childhood memories aside, were there any other inspirations behind the film?

Giulia and Camilla Venturini: We were inspired by Czechoslovak comedy-drama Daisies, The Parent Trap, Lake Garda, Stalker by Andrei Tarkovsky, Dogville by Lars Von Trier and last, but not least, the Olsen Twins.

As sisters and twins, when do you work best together? 

Giulia and Camilla Venturini: We shared our childhood, but after that we lived in different continents for ten years. It’s about maintaining a balance between being always together and trying to take breaks from each other. We need to be united but each one of us has to bring something unique to the conversation. Our ten years experience of living in two different places completes and elevates our projects.

What does working collaboratively bring you that you couldn’t do alone?

Giulia and Camilla Venturini: The balance a twin duo can create is very interesting. We always shared things, from clothes to Instagram accounts. We believe that objects or projects have more purpose if they are made together.

Do you have any rituals when it comes to starting a project?

Giulia and Camilla Venturini: Fun fact, Medea started so fast that we still don’t have the time to look for a proper studio. We work from so many different places. Home, showroom, factory, planes, fairs, sets, hotels lobbies. Mostly because we are always working. We try to meet up everyday no matter where we are. We walk our dog together to brainstorm and go to pilates to cool down.

When was the last time you felt weightless? 

Camilla Venturini: When I didn’t look at my phone for two hours.

Giulia Venturini: The last time I went to the Alps.

What would you do in a world without boundaries?

Giulia and Camilla Venturini: Dangerous question! Everything that comes in our mind at any moment without hurting anyone. 

Lastly, what interests you most about Riccardo’s vision for Burberry?

Giulia and Camilla Venturini: The diverse range of people he’s collaborating with, and the outer-space feeling you get from looking at the collections; his take on things is incredibly fresh.

Discover Giulia and Camilla Venturini's Boundless vision for Burberry, here