MILAN — With Uniqueness, Alessandra Facchinetti’s come-back project, the Italian designer wants the term ready-to-wear to reflect its true meaning.
For the new venture, she has teamed up with Pietro Negra, co-founder and chairman of Pinko, which will also manufacture the collection.
“The idea is to be able to wear clothes that you fancy immediately after they are presented, not six months later. It’s about immediacy,” said Facchinetti, noting how the project rekindled her desire to design and to delve into e-commerce. “My design perspective is also different, primarily based on what I like and feel for now.”
Uniqueness marks Facchinetti’s return to fashion after a hiatus of almost three years, following her exit from Valentino in October 2008. Before that, Facchinetti was design director at Gucci and Moncler Gamme Rouge.
Related Galleries
Facchinetti said the idea is to blur the line between the classic fall and spring seasons, with easy-to-wear and versatile pieces that work year-round and can be purchased online the day after they are presented. Hence, the first 50-piece collection that will bow in Paris in September will be a click away on Uniqueness’ Web site and on the online stores of a select group of sales points immediately after.
The collection will be made up mainly of outerwear and tailored looks such as blazers, dusters and raincoats. Nylon, cotton and a polyester crepe are the dominant fabrics.
“This project captures a technological market concept for our generations, stretching to the max a series of assets unique to the Pinko brand, now for the first time merging at a high level of creativity,” said Negra.
Retail prices vary from 90 euros, or $130, for a basic T-shirt to 1,000 euros, or $1,439, for leather or embroidered pieces.
Based in Fidenza, Pinko was founded in 1985 by Negra and Cristina Rubini. It has gained both visibility and popularity with better-priced contemporary collections that are constantly updated. Pinko has 110 freestanding stores and is carried globally in 1,100 sales points.