QUESTIONING IDENTITY

THE QUEST FOR IDENTITY IN TODAY’S YOUTH: Understanding the Challenges and Resilience of a Generation in Search of Self

Myriad of influences and pressures shapes youth self-perception and worldview. With platforms showcasing curated versions of life, young people often compare themselves to idealized images, which can distort their sense of self and lead to feelings of inadequacy.

The constant need to project a certain image can overshadow the way to self-discovery. But there is that melting pot of cultures and ideas in today’s globalized society presents both opportunities and challenges. While exposure to diverse perspectives can enrich a young person’s understanding of the world, it can also complicate their sense of belonging. Many youth grapple with questions about their cultural identity, as they seek to blend their heritage with contemporary influences. This balancing act can leave them feeling fragmented, as they attempt to reconcile different facets of their identity.

The pressure to conform to societal expectations further complicates this journey. Whether it’s academic achievements, or lifestyle choices, young people often feel compelled to meet certain standards set by family, peers, or society at large. This can lead to an internal conflict where they feel they must prioritize external validation over personal fulfillment, making it even harder to understand who they truly are. Mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, can exacerbate the difficulties in self-exploration. As young people strive to navigate their emotions and experiences, they may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to articulate their feelings, which can stall their journey toward self-acceptance.

Despite these challenges, young people are also showing tremendous resilience are increasingly engaging in conversations and visual stories creation about mental health, identity, and self-expression, seeking out support systems that encourage authenticity. Through community involvement, and open dialogue, today’s youth are beginning to forge their own identities, embracing the complexities and contradictions that come with being a part of such a complex world. Ultimately, while the path to self-discovery may be fraught with confusion, it is also rich with potential for growth and personal empowerment.

Words by Mira W. @mirawanderlust

CREDITS:

PHOTOGRAPHY Matteo Galvanone – @matteogalvanone

PROJECT COORDINATOR Alessia Caliendo – @alessiacaliendo

STYLING TEAM Acosta Justiz Isabella – @isacinica , Carraro Anna – @annacarraroo , Ciccarelli Alessandra – @thatsciccarelli , Esposito Mariachiara – @mariachiaraespositoo , Fabris Elena – @elenafabris , Gioffrè Beatrice – @beagioffre , Mazzanti Lorenzo – @loremazzanti4 , Pili Eleonora – @elooppp , Prendi Aleksja – @aleksja_prendi , Reggioni Elena – @yaskgirl , Sciarrone Sanju – @sanjusciarrone

MODEL Rio @remademgmt @plantbasedrio

MAKE-UP ARTIST Andrea Samuels @andreasamuels

PRODUCTION Assistant Matteo Faccin @faccinmatteo

PRODUCTION powered by MOODART School of Fashion Communication @moodart_fashion_communication

White Cut-out sleeveless t-shirt, Desigual – Black rib leggings with metal eyelets, Evropa

White knee-high sock + Black open toe heels, stylist’s own

Oversize black jersey polo, Adom Red – Black belt bag, AENDOR STUDIO – Black culottes, stylist’s own

Footless high socks, Bergie by Giorgia Andreazza

White trikini body, Evropa – Black sartorial double breasted blazer, AENDOR STUDIO – Black tights with holes, stylist’s own

Heels, Bergie by Giorgia Andreazza – Spike choker, Lag World – Bolla micro legami black bag, NIDO – Camo cap, stylist’s own

Cargo shorts, Desigual + Pierced bag, LPA Studio

Slogan t-shirt + Footless mesh knee-high socks + Black pointy heels, stylist’s own

Grey reflecting belt pants, Kuun Agency

Army t-shirt + Culotte + Black pointy heels, stylist’s own

Long grey backless dress, Domenico Orefice + Goatfur bag, AENDOR STUDIO + Black pointy heels, stylist’s own

Black balaclava, AENDOR STUDIO + Glossy micro skirt in black, Evropa + White Module number three leather bag, LPA Studio

Black knee-high sock + Black open toe heels, stylist’own