The shows are off to a strong start, thanks to Gucci, Alberta Ferretti, No.21 and more.
Ciao from Milano! We're making the rounds in Milan, where some of the buzziest (Alessandro Michele) and most legendary (Miuccia Prada) designers will present their latest collections. Here are the looks we loved from the runways on the first day of the season.
Alberta Ferretti. "Twinning" is having its moment in fashion, from actual twin models on the runways (see: Cecilie and Amalie Moosgaard, Lia and Odette Pavlova) to pairs of matching looks walking side-by-side. Perhaps this is why I was so drawn to these romantic embroidered evening gowns by Alberta Ferretti. The combination of the sheer lacy fabric and the soft pink shade make these gowns equal parts sweet and sexy - always a winning mix in my book.
Gucci. Since the industry as a whole is deeply enamored with streetwear and the oversized, unisex silhouettes that characterize it, I wasn't too surprised to see Alessandro Michele offer up a few casual, worn-in coats of his own for fall. To add some urban flair, the designer called upon graffiti artist Trouble Andrew to paint logos, symbols and short phrases on select pieces and accessories that are destined for collectors'-item status.
No.21. Grunge was the name of the game at No.21 for fall, and designer Alessandro Dell'Acqua really went for it in the mixing and matching departments. The requisite floral slip dresses, chunky oversized knits, buffalo checks, haphazard layering and baggy tights were all present, but there were plenty of modern updates that kept the theme from feeling too stale. A personal favorite was the menswear-inspired look that Ruth Bell wore: a lush brown and white fur worn over a blue floral blouse, complete with buckled flats.
Fausto Puglisi. As a born-and-raised beach girl, I'm a sucker for anything emblazoned with palm trees - as is designer Fausto Puglisi, who's used the motif in many a collection. I was particularly smitten with this sporty bomber jacket; the color-blocking of white, grey, black and burgundy looks timeless and scholastic, while the vibrant embroidered palm trees at the elbows give it a modern edge.
Roberto Cavalli. While most of Peter Dundas's latest collection for Roberto Cavalli was a bittoo rock star for my personal tastes, a handful of looks mixed in more conservative items - chambray shirts and solid-colored jackets, for example - something I could see myself wearing on a regular basis, and it's just neutral enough to pair with a funky statement piece, like the psychedelic embroidered pants.