“my fashion starts from reality and becomes a dream”

Designing clothes for “normal” women, keen to preserve their identity, femininity and power in their daily lives: this is the goal of Italian designer Alberta Ferretti, who showcased a collection celebrating the world of women at Milan Fashion Week. FashionNetwork.com met Ferretti backstage at the show, whose audience included former top models Eva Herzigova and Valeria Mazza.

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

Alberta Ferretti: “From life. I’ve always said that to create fashion one must have a grasp of life, and of people. I observe reality, then I close my eyes and dream, because fashion is a dream too. Real women are my muses. I want to show women’s most private side, one that sometimes even we ourselves aren’t aware of.”
 

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FNW: How would you define your new collection?

AF: “It’s highly wearable and interchangeable. I want to dress women, not camouflage them. I’m keen to create garments that are more than an image statement, that enhance women’s bodies and, above all, that will remain in their wardrobes for a long time. A dress is like jewellery, it shouldn’t be seasonal, its intrinsic value must be augmented by the value of the memories and emotions it prompts. I’ve designed a collection that, beyond the looks featured at the show, can be mixed and matched at will. I want to give women the chance to dress the way they wish, based on how they’re feeling.”

FNW: What would you like to say to young people, to attract them to fashion’s artisanal trades?

AF: “That we absolutely need [young people] to prevent the loss of Italy’s fashion expertise. They are our future, and add extra energy to our own. There are countless workshops and apparel producers where they can learn a trade, also in my native Emilia Romagna, a region that, besides being an amazing fashion industry hub, is also incredibly rich in culture, history and human resources.”

Black and grey were the dominant hues at Alberta Ferretti’s Fall/Winter 2024-25 runway show, where evening looks were often brightened by silvery accents and sequins, and others came in autumnal shades like acid green, orange and cinnamon. Long, lavish evening gowns with sophisticated lace and sheer effects featured alongside flowing slip dresses, draped skirts enhanced by 19th century-style corsets, short dresses and skirts, knitwear, some of it in oversize volumes, and cocooning coats.

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The collection encapsulated Ferretti’s signature themes and motifs, but it also added a fresh twist with pleated flannel dresses, pinstripe outfits illuminated by metallic thread, and draped, flowing jersey dresses printed with op art patterns. The day looks’ muted, menswear-style palette contrasted with evening looks glittering with medallion-like embroidery, made with sequins and rhinestones. Among the accessories, patent-leather or laminated boots and handbags, and embroidered slingbacks and clutch bags.