Delicate, light reflecting materials, and a nighttime Italian castle setting, have made for a strong runway show.
Alberta Ferretti Resort 2024 is my favourite resort collection of the season so far. Whilst the Channel and Gucci Resort '24 shows failed to inspire me, the latest Ferretti collection is mesmerizing, glamorous, true to the brand's DNA and current. Ongoing trends encompassed in the collection include #metallic materials, sequins, both minimalist and maximalist pieces, sheer fabrics and hoods. The earthy tones, including rich midnight blue, burnt orange and metallic silver, offer variety while maintaining a sense of cohesion.
When creating clothing for women, Ferretti beautifully combines femininity and strength, and she has stated that she doesn't see "femininity as a weakness."(thetimes.co.uk, 2016)
The tailored metallic suits and the striking high glamour add a sense of female power. In terms of delicate materials, Ferretti has stated that “Women used to dress in a very masculine way. They were entering the workforce and [that] implied a certain style of clothing. I remember watching movies in the Sixties, with my mother, and seeing women in their lingerie, watching how they would move, and seeing how wonderful they would feel in their skin; then, they would dress, and the magic disappeared.” (en.vogue.me, 2023) Ferretti counteracts this past by enriching her empowering and feminine collections with soft and billowing materials including satin, chiffon, lace and velvet.
The circumstances surrounding the runway show made it a statement of strength and perseverance; the show, set in the Italian city of Rimini, was organised before floods hit the area during the month of May. The setting features as a tribute to Ferretti's past as she grew up in the neighbouring town of Cattolica. The show also evoked the dreamy atmosphere portrayed on celluloid by the film director, and Rimini native, Federico Fellini. Held in front of a 15th century fortress called Castel Sismondo, which houses a Federico Fellini museum (vogue.com, 2023) the show was elevated by the night time setting and haunting music. The sparkling, light reflecting metallics and hooded garments look ethereal in such a setting. I have previously written about the beauty and origin of the hooded dress, and a European castle is the ultimate backdrop for such a piece of clothing.
In terms of Twitter response, the Alberta Ferretti Resort '24 show has been extremely well received. It's hardly surprising considering that the elegant collection is cohesive with both glamourous evening wear and minimalist pieces. While I usually prefer rich colours to neutrals, I admire how the beige dresses (pictured below) have been elevated with a dark brush stroke design print.
With so many beautifully designed and crafted pieces in one collection, I've found it hard to choose my favourite looks. The ones that stand out to me the most, and that I would love to wear, are shown below:
Of course, the video below is worth watching as the light reflecting qualities and flowing movement of the materials aren't fully captured in still images. Please let me know, in the comments below, which are your favourite pieces/looks from the collection?
Writing Sources
Article by Tiziana Cardini. Vogue. 26th May 2023.
https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/resort-2024/alberta-ferretti
Article by Claudia Croft. The Times. 31st July 2016.
Article by Caterina Minthe. Vogue. 9th February 2023. https://wwd.com/runway/pre-fall-2023/milan/alberta-ferretti/review/
Non-Linked Image Sources
YouTube Video Link
