Paradise lost. This could be the starting point for the inspiration behind the Alberta Ferretti Limited Edition collection for 2018, to be presented in Paris during Couture Week by appointment, and the images produced to illustrate it — with nature almost overtaking the aristocratic palazzo where such designs could be at home. In a nod to the location, tunics and gowns have a motif that looks like a wrought iron gate. The designer’s precious chiffon designs are enriched with beautiful Liberty-style ramage embroideries, but they also have a playful vibe, such as in the short pink dress with micro pleats and flounces. Ferretti works masterfully with pleats and, in one long black and sleeveless gown, they are so intricately laid out that the effect is almost hypnotic.
Easily mixed and matched, some of the pieces can be combined for different occasions. Case in point, a sequined top that reproduces a motif reminiscent of a Fair Isle sweater in shades of powder pink and red can be worn with shantung cigarette pants or denim jeans, as well as over a chiffon skirt for an evening event. Short marabou feather bombers lined in organza also add a youthful vibe, as does an aviator jacket in silk velvet, lined in velvet with a gray marabou collar.
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Ferretti shows a touch of irreverence by fully embroidering a fluid and deconstructed pantsuit.
The dresses are the first step for made-to-measure designs. Ferretti introduced her demi-couture line of feminine and highly crafted gowns in 2011 with a special event in Florence during Pitti Uomo. The designer has since opted for itinerant presentations. After Milan in 2012, Los Angeles in 2013, Paris in 2014 and New York in 2015, Ferretti filmed a video in Venice in 2016, presented at special events in cities such as Moscow, until she chose to hold a show in July in Paris during haute couture week last year. In January last year, she chose to show her pre-fall and Limited collections at her Milan headquarters the evening before Men’s Fashion Week kicked off.