“A metamorphosis of nature and woman” – the words Alberta Ferretti used to describe to her AW14 offering, and if a metamorphose can be understood as the distinct transition from one initial stage to an increasingly superior stage, Ferretti has taken this term and created a new Ferretti woman: an ethereal, organic, nymph-like creature.
With just the kind of biological textures to boot, this season sees scaly plumage become an earthy second skin, in a touching ode to au natural courtesy of immaculate Italianate craftsmanship, the intricate avian motif becoming a fundamental theme throughout.
The crested breed of dainty dresses signified a reserved chic, opting for tight feathered gradation above loud extravagant feathering, next to opulent burnt gold filigree detailing, crinkled and wrinkled with a moth-like fragility. The thrills of frills were implemented in felted alpaca coats, whilst sequined embellishments on various other outerwear allies only aided the shimmering effervescent thrill, in a longing for springtime new life.
Set against the taut feathered shells of many pieces, the spectral saunter of flowing chiffon with an enticing trace of lace hints at a pre-Raphaelite classicism. The relics of classicism were then succeeded by an inclination for cutting-edge fabric technology, as fascinating-to-the-touch bark-like lengths of fabric, scarred by an organic gold leaf ombré, polished off the substantial collection, with a final faction of memorable gowns flaunting the unique scabrous fabric that is sure to canonize this collection.
by Liam Feltham
Images courtesy of Style.com