“My fashion starts from reality and becomes a dream”

Designing clothes for “normal” women, eager to preserve their identity, femininity and power in their daily lives: this is the goal of Italian designer Alberta Ferretti, who presented a collection that celebrates the world of women at Fashion Week from Milan. FashionNetwork.com caught up with Ferretti on stage at the show, whose audience included former top models Eva Herzigova and Valeria Mazza.

FashionNetwork.com: Where do you get inspiration for your creations?

Alberta Ferretti: “Of life. I have always said that to create fashion you have to know life and people. I observe reality, then I close my eyes and dream, because fashion is also a dream. Real women are my muses. I want to show the side most private of women, one that sometimes we do not even know ourselves.”

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FNW: How would you define your new collection?

AF: “It is very portable and interchangeable. I want to dress women, not camouflage them. I am interested in creating garments that are more than an image statement, that enhance women's bodies and, above all, that remain in their closets for a long time. A dress is like a jewel, it should not be seasonal, its intrinsic value should be increased by the value of the memories and emotions it evokes. I have designed a collection that, beyond the looks presented at the show, can be mixed and matched at will. “I want to give women the opportunity to dress however they want, depending on how they feel.”

FNW: What would you like to say to young people to attract them to the crafts of fashion?

AF: “We absolutely need [young people] to avoid the loss of Italian fashion experience. They are our future and add additional energy to ours. There are countless workshops and clothing producers where you can learn a trade, also in my native Emilia Romagna, a region that, in addition to being an incredible center of the fashion industry, is also incredibly rich in culture, history and human resources.”

Black and gray were the dominant hues on Alberta Ferretti's Fall/Winter 2024-25 runway, where evening looks were often brightened up with silver details and sequins, and others arrived in autumnal hues such as acid green, orange and cinnamon. Long and luxurious night dresses with sophisticated lace and transparent effects were accompanied by fluid lingerie dresses, draped skirts made with nineteenth -century -style corsets, dresses and short skirts, knit garments, some of them in extragrade volumes, and enveloping coats.

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The collection encapsulated Ferretti's signature themes and motifs, but also added a fresh twist with pleated flannel dresses, striped suits illuminated by metallic threads, and flowing, draped knit dresses printed with op art patterns. The muted, masculine palette of the daytime looks contrasted with the evening looks that sparkled with medallion-shaped embroidery, made with sequins and rhinestones. Among the accessories, boots and bags made of patent leather or laminate, and slingback bags and embroidered clutches.