Milan Fashion Week AW 2014: Alberta Ferretti

The first day of shows in Milan ended with the Alberta Ferretti show. Following the change in aesthetic at Gucci from dark and sultry to pastel colors and quiet daytime looks, the least I expected was another change at Alberta Ferretti! This time it's the opposite - the designer known for her airy, feminine dresses turned darker with this collection inspired by different processes of nature. The sound track "I am a Tree" by Mother Gong and Daevid Allen set the mood for the show, in which the fabrics mimicked moss growing over tree bark, underwater algae or seaweed. The legendary workmanship of the House was yet again astonishing, as mohair threaded with golden filaments or boiled wool with leather inserts were used to shape the dresses and bell skirts.

A lot of different elements came together in the creation of this collection, one can see the elements of nature, alongside feather dresses and thick embroideries depicting birds. The styling was in line with the fabrics used, many of the models strutting the runway in thick wool socks paired with sandals. Towards the end of the show the designer couldn't resist and added a few of her sublime frocks. Among my favorite pieces were the brown wool dress paired with an orange handbag, the oversize green and brown mohair sweaters, the knee-length green lace dress, the two oversized green wool coats, the bright orange dress, the brown and gold dress and of course the gowns towards the end of the show. Have a look at my selection of the most interesting pieces on the runway:

 

Milan Fashion Week AW 2014: Gucci

Milan Fashion Week kicked off with an unusual Gucci show yesterday afternoon. Gone were the days of low lighting and that feeling of an after midnight party, this time the atmosphere was as bright as daylight. The collection followed the mood of the venue and instead of the dark and glamorous looks we were used to seeing in the Gucci shows, the designer Frida Giannini turned this time towards daytime looks in dusty pastels, animal print and block heels instead of stilettos.

Inspired by the House's own legacy in the sixties, the collection brought a modern spirit into the garments through the dusty pink, green and blue shades. I must admit that I wasn't aboard this change in the beginning, it just seemed too odd to see such a toned down show, but looking at the photos a second time there are certainly a lot of pieces that stand out. Among my favorites are the pink coat with a leather panel on the front, the blue leather dress with frills, the double-breasted wool coats, the green dress paired with dark brown boots, the pink fur sweater, the yellow dress with leather inserts and of course the black and white dresses towards the end of the show. Have a look at my selection of the most interesting looks from the show:

 

London Fashion Week AW 2014: Burberry Prorsum

Milan Fashion Week just started today with the Gucci and Alberta Ferreti shows, but before that I couldn't leave out the fabulous Burberry Prorsum show in London. While designing the collection, Christopher Bailey was looking to give his garments "more soul" and break free from everything digital for a moment. Thus, the collection was hand-painted in his studio to give it, as the designer himself describes, "a welcome flavor of the domestic, the cozy, the romantic, and the very special." 

I really enjoyed the light fabrics, the colorful dresses and scarves and the hand-painted patterns. Among my favorite looks were the contrasting looks with a delicate dress pared with a solid jacket or blanket throws, the first three long-sleeved dresses, the turquoise dress paired with a blue and yellow scarf and of course the delicate lace dresses towards the end of the show. Have a look for yourselves and pick your favorites!

 

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm sure most of you are already in holiday mood with all the romantic music playing on the radio and all the hearts spread around all over the town. Even some of the restaurants and cafes have embraced the general celebration of love happening today. On this happy note, I would like to wish you a very Happy Valentine's Day through a wonderful video that some of you may already know: Paperman, a short story about the suddenness of falling in love and why it's worth it to overcome all obstacles to be with your loved one.

And for all the guys out there: don't forget about Valentine's Day! It might be pretty dangerous if you do...

Have a lovely day!