FINE fabrics are at the heart of the Cerruti 1881 brand, so it seems fitting that the SS19 show took inspiration from Japanese textile design. Veering away from more obvious references to Japanese pattern, the clothes drew on the shape of the traditional kimono, incorporating lightweight fabrics, tied waists and boxy sleeves. With fluid, long-line silhouettes and a resolutely neutral palette of earth tones, black and khaki, this collection had a nonchalant elegance in its simplicity.
Innovative tailoring was at the core of the collection, uniting the series of light jackets, silk jumpsuits and loose tops. Trousers were used to play with proportion – cut high, they featured billowing pleats and paper-bag waists. An assortment of sculptural, anorak-style coats added further interest to the silhouettes on show.
Nautical stripes and sandals lent the show a beachy vibe, compounded by the inclusion of some roomy seaside tote bags. Despite this, the scenography was steadfastly urban, with flashing traffic lights and busy junctions scattered across the runway.
With its effortless, contemporary elegance, this was straightforwardly wearable summer collection, with clothes that could be easily taken from the city to the sea.
by Rachel ParkerÂ