Philosophy Spring 2009

Sporty isn't a word that springs to mind when you think of Alberta Ferretti, a refined woman who creates refined clothes. But suddenly there was sporty, all over her Spring Philosophy collection.

The Italian designer zoomed in on the parka, reimagining it with subtle yet sparkly embellishments and adding straps so that the models could wear them suspended, capelike, from their shoulders. Underneath were ensembles that were deliberate studies in contrast: plenty of lovely, prototypical Ferretti dresses—the loveliest in a maxi length—done in subtle color combinations or Indian prints and topped with beaded corsetlike harnesses.