Fashion & Freedom exhibition was inaugurated on February 11^th, 2017 inBarnsley, UK, to explore the changing role of women and fashion during WW1. Among the pieces on display, designed by world famous gurus of women's fashion, is also the work by next generation designer Ellen Ophelia, designated to represent Istituto Marangoni in the "Restriction & Release" contest, addressed to the students of prestigious British colleges. Co-commissioned by 14-18 NOW, the UK's arts programme for the First World War centenary and Manchester Art Gallery, with support from the British Fashion Council, Fashion & Freedom includes contributions by designers of the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Roksanda, Emilia Wickstead, and Sadie Williams. Among them, also the evocative interpretation of Ellen Ophelia, whose work expresses emancipation and viciousness, good and evil, order and chaos all together. Men left home to fight on the front line of the First World War, and women replaced them in factories, as bus drivers, and within offices and warehouses, without ever laying down the sceptre of womanhood. Between 1914 and 1918, British society experienced one of the most radical changes in history: the transformed role of women brought about new responsibilities, new awareness, new trends – which were going to change the female universe forever. Fashion & Freedom is currently hosted in the halls of The Civic in Barnsley. The exhibition will be open until April 8^th, 2017. Admission is free, from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. For further information: www.barnsleycivic.co.uk