The Main Woman. Fendi AW25

Fendi celebrated its centennial in the only right way: with Silvia Venturini Fendi as the main woman at the helm. And after yesterday’s show, I hope she will stay with the brand’s womenswear for seasons to come. The collection just felt really, really good. It was chic and substantial, full of breath-taking craftsmanship and clothes (and accessories – like the netted beanies!) that are actually appealing. And there was a sense of nonchalant fun, reminiscing the spirit of Karl Lagerfeld (and something that was painfully absent throughout Kim Jones’ emotionless tenure). To mark the fact that fur, while central to Fendi, has always been just part of its offer, Venturini Fendi proposed collarless coats and dresses that featured furry facades (in either mohair or shearling) that looked like the reveres of these garments but were in fact removable stoles. Most of the spotlight-stealing fur coats were made in shearling. The red spotted dress was a particularly bravura example of this house’s craft.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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Dream, Dream. Alberta Ferretti AW25

Lorenzo Serafini‘s debut collection for Alberta Ferretti wasn’t the loudest, but certainly was persuasive. “It is the big dreams that make people big. Small ones are desires. One should not be afraid to be ‘exaggerated’… at least in dreams.” Serafini used this beautiful Franca Sozzani quote in the notes for a show that represented, for him, the actualization of a very big dream: his new role at the Milan-based brand founded in 1981. The Sozzani factor was thanks to the late great Vogue Italia’s friendship with Ferretti, and her inspirational status for Serafini. Alongside the founder, Sozzani acted as the spiritual muse for this collection. You could actually imagine these dreamy, billow-y gowns and oversized suits on the pages of Franca’s Vogue, maybe photographed by Sarah Moon or Paolo Roversi. Serafini also delivered some of the most fascinating evening numbers we’ve seen this season – especially the unobvious-looking draped dresses that had a little of Romeo Gigli in them.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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No-Nonsense. Talia Byre AW25

If you’re looking for an absolutely great emerging brand in London, here’s a clue: it’s Talia Byre and her no-nonsense take on what IRL women want. Stunningly cut shirts that borrowed from traditional menswear silhouettes (in checks and stripes); a nylon skirt with girlish sectioned pleats; charming, wool knitwear in vibrant shades of canary-yellow and sweet-lilac. What’s not to love?

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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Raw Femininity. Simone Rocha AW25

Simone Rocha channeled a tougher, rawer perspective on femininity, one close to her – and her 15 year old brand’s – heart. Faux-fur coats were sliced to ribbons halfway up from their hemlines, a gesture repeated across the collection, giving an animalistic, primary touch (and not-so-obvious sensuality). Jackets and skirts in Rocha’s tinsel-strafed bouclé tweed were also given the shredder treatment. The designer combined harnessing with lingerie, ruffles with chains, creating garments beaming with attitude.

That attitude was embodied by a cast of non-models, like the sensational actress Fiona Shaw who wore a duchesse-satin black gown. Rocha has been inviting characters of different walks of life to her runways for years; Burberry was certainly inspired this season by her always-working strategy of making clothes feel truly real.

ED’s SELECTION:

Simone Rocha Bow-embellished Faux-fur Pumps


Simone Rocha Crystal-embellished Organza Midi Dress


Simone Rocha Crystal-embellished Tulle Midi Dress


Simone Rocha Cropped Bow-embellished Open-knit Mohair-blend Cardigan


Simone Rocha Crystal-embellished Silver-tone Hair Clip

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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Dolls. Conner Ives AW25

This one’s for all the dolls. Conner Ives presented his ultra-glamorous offering of eveningwear at Savoy’s Beaufort Bar, and one can easily imagine women strutting and striding in those fur-tripped numbers or Art Deco-ish piano-dresses during the night. The plum number with deep, plunging neckline was accessorized with fringe-y headwear made out of bottle caps, making it all feel not overly serious. That’s exactly Conner Ives’ sense of style: tongue-in-cheek-chic. The line-up emanated with a certain whimsy-but-cool, sexy-but-with-a-twist femininity, reminiscing Stella McCartney’s days at Chloé. Brits know how to have fun.

ED’s SELECTION:

Conner Ives Tie-neck Appliquéd Stretch-micro Modal Jersey Tank


Conner Ives Paneled Printed Recycled Cotton-jersey Dress


Conner Ives Appliquéd Printed Cotton-jersey T-shirt

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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NET-A-PORTER Limited