The Salvatore Ferragamo show was transformed into a dark and gloomy rainforest. Dirt and bark covered the runway tarmac, huge screens surrounded the rooms displaying dense greenery,
Massimiliano Giornetti, the creative genius behind the chic Italian brand, then sent out his entourage of insanely styled and dressed models. Oversized coats and scarves, animal embroidery, bomber and leather jackets as well as impeccable leather accessories dominated the collection.
Key pieces lay the blueprint for his wardrobe: tailored suiting, double- breasted jackets, blousons and outerwear including duffel coats. The tailoring is neat and light. Against this backdrop are unexpected flashes of surprise; multi-coloured embroidery and leather patchwork create surreal animal motifs: zebras, flamingos, monkeys.
Knitwear masters woven motifs intertwined with stitching or is intensely finished in lightweight treatments. Striking three-dimensional coats are worn with cable-knit pullovers and big scarves: bold and ever-present, materials are central as the true protagonists. Unshakeable, traditional leathers and fabrics are permanently altered, transformed by artisanal handwork.
The colour palette: woody and nocturnal. Shades of dark green, chestnut, deep red, black and melange grey are lit up by bright, decorative details.
The accessories are melded together, reflecting the intentional, unusual combinations and unexpected pairings portrayed throughout the collection. Crocodile lace-ups and boots are reinforced at the toes and heels with natural leather emphasized by visible stitching; casting the illusion of blending footwear, the accumulative effect highlighted by contrasting textures. Generously-sized duffels in various materials carry the motif, reworking Salvatore Ferragamo’s original bag for the modern gentleman. The story is studded with miniature jewels in a decorative, narrative gesture where bronze and horn claws are used as buckles and brooches.
