If someone asks you to define iconic Italian glamour, no verbal explanation is required. Simply point them to Alberta Ferretti’s Fall/Winter 2012 runway. A strong, feminine silhouette is Ferretti’s signature, and she achieves it for fall by cinching in waists with leather belts and tightly tailoring the contours of her dresses and coats. Though there is a hint of masculinity to the coats and jackets, the touchable fabrics bring out a welcomed softness. Bold use of color runs through a darker fall/winter collection in little shocks of cobalt blue, red, and fuchsia. Ferretti loads up the models with big fur coats, sunglasses, leather bib dresses, and severe suits – which only heighten the high-glam quotient of this collection. The designer was in a decorative mood – adding wispy feathers, plated sequins, and panels of silk to her dresses. This show was heavy on the eveningwear, and gave us many glorious options to choose from. Ferretti’s take on her looks demonstrated a strongly feminist side: "I'm projecting my woman into the future. The world is very hard at the moment, and a woman needs to be strong, because she has an important role to play in society.” That’s right, ladies. It’s time to divide and conquer.

written by GRACE GORDON|photos: courtesy of GoRunway