DELICATE BY NATURE
Milan: For fall, Alberta Ferretti presented the delicate, feminine looks for which she is known, while also including tailored pieces to provide some structure. Fluttery chiffon and filmy lace dresses and tops will be familiar to her clientele, but Ferretti gave them wool skirt suits and embellished coats to round out their wardrobes. Nature, a theme common in the designer’s collections, was a key element here; leaves and flowers were embroidered onto the bodices of chiffon separates and decorated the plackets and pockets of curve-accentuating coats. Glossy panne velvet and jewel appliqués provided a touch of opulence toward the show’s end, but Ferretti made sure the glitz was controlled and purposeful, in keeping with her elegant yet not ostentatious aesthetic. Though the addition of tailored separates was a wise move, the highlight of the collection remained Ferretti’s signature eveningwear, this season in sophisticated black and white. –Joanna Manganaro
Silhouette: Columnar / Fit-and-flare / A-line / Hourglass
Color: White / Black / Charcoal / Navy / Light blue / Yves Klein blue / Royal purple / Chartreuse / Lipstick red
Key Items: Columnar black and white evening gowns / Delicate cocktail dresses / Tailored jackets / Embellished coats
Materials: Felted wool / Blanket wool / Panne velvet / Chiffon / Delicate lace / Matte suitings / Wool crepe / Tulle / Shaggy and shaved fur
Print + Pattern: Vintage flowers and leaves / Scallops
Details + Trim: Embroidery / Accordion pleats / Tiered ruffles / Contrast lapels and trim / Ruching / Peplums / Scalloped edges / Velvet self-belts
Accessories + Footwear: Jeweled cross earrings / Fabric belts / Pointy-toe flats with straps / High-heeled velvet loafers
