Sheer brilliance Alberta Ferretti wins Milan

Sheer brilliance: Alberta Ferretti wins over Milan - but daring see-through frocks are strictly for the bravest fashionistas
By Tamara Abraham


Alberta Ferretti's spring/summer collection left little to the imagination when it was shown at Milan fashion Week this afternoon.

The Italian designer, like so many other labels over the past two weeks, referenced Twenties silhouettes and Art Deco motifs.

But unlike Gucci, which showed earlier in the day, Mrs Ferretti's collection of diaphanous calf and ankle-length dresses came in a rainbow of vibrant hues.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/21/article-2040275-0E056BE200000578-472_196x613.jpghttp://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/21/article-2040275-0E056E4600000578-559_196x613.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/21/article-2040275-0E056EF600000578-670_196x613.jpg
Transparent trend: Alberta Ferretti's diaphanous calf and ankle-length dresses came in rainbow hues

Delicate crochet knits also made a statement, as did trailing fringed bags and earrings that worked well against a counter-theme of graphic jungle prints.

And it was Italy's answer to the A-list that were on hand to applaud the 61-year-old when she stepped out to take her bow after the show.

Former models Marpessa Hennink and Valeria Mazza sat side-by-side in the front row, while Italian singer Biagio Antonacci sat catwalk-side a few seats along.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/21/article-2040275-0E056DF600000578-382_196x570.jpghttp://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/21/article-2040275-0E056AC700000578-551_196x570.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/21/article-2040275-0E056BDA00000578-397_196x570.jpg
The bold and the beautiful: Delicate crochet knits also made a statement, as did trailing fringed bags and earrings that worked well against a counter-theme of graphic jungle prints

He admitted to WWD: 'I do feel it’s not my world here, but Alberta invited me and it’s womenswear, so it’s fun.'

Of course there were star names both on and off the runway at Mrs Ferretti's Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti show, which took place at New York Fashion Week last Thursday.

Andie MacDowell's daughter Sarah Margaret Qualley, 16, walked the catwalk in front of guests that included Emma Roberts, Amanda Hearst and Patricia Clarkson.

Prior to the show, the Alberta Ferretti team had expressed their excitement at having such a famous model on the company Facebook page.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/21/article-0-0E05773100000578-633_634x359.jpg
Jazz Age chic: The Italian designer referenced Twenties silhouettes and Art Deco motifs

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/21/article-0-0E0571DB00000578-876_634x399.jpg
Lady of the hour: The crowd applauds Alberta Ferretti following her
Milan Fashion Week show


They wrote: 'We are really excited to announce that Ms Sarah Margaret Qualley, Andie MacDowell’s daughter, will debut her model career today September the 14th at Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti fashion show in New York... We wish her good luck!'

Mrs Ferretti's show followed that of Gucci on the first day of Milan Fashion Week.

Among the 73 labels due to take part are Giorgio Armani, Missoni and Roberto Cavalli, with Prada and D&G due to preview their spring/summer 2012 collections tomorrow.