Alberta Ferretti's Bad Romance

At best, the Ferretti show in Milan today was beribboned and romantic. At worst, it was somber, bedraggled and a little old.

Though the color of this dress is neutral, the ribbon detailing takes it from basic to exquisite.

It’s kind of astounding, isn’t it? And yet I’m tempted to try it at home on a T-shirt.

I’m personally not a fan of illusion dresses, but there is a throwback romanticism here.

A dreamy slip of a gown that comes with an embrace of jewels.

Basic black gets edgy with intricate seams and a jewel-encrusted sleeve.

Old Hollywood glamor, for the red carpet or the boudoir.

More of the ribbon detailing — so sophisticated, in black.

Birth of venus! Light, airy, seafoam. The dress almost seems to be hanging from the jeweled shoulder medallions.

Shimmy, shimmy, shimmy. Shake, shake, shake.

Have you been noticing the shoes? I don’t love the heel shape, but the champagne color and loopy design are winning me over.

Soon to be seen on a red carpet, hopefully with different shoes. And on someone who doesn’t mind that the seams and vertical lines will probably make one look wider.

The Creature From The Brown Lagoon.

A dress in heavy fabric with a fur collar doesn’t seem particularly… Youthful.

Surely someone could pull off this paramecium dress, but I can’t think of whom.

A diaphanous ode to Mariano Fortuny.

Unbelievably delicate! Almost like a vintage piece.

Black on black with fur trim: Nothing you haven’t seen before.

Oh, this coat I like, especially with the turquoise booties.

There are some glimpses of good stuff here…

…But in general, this show is a little… down. No?

Even with the sparkle and shine, this doesn’t generate much excitement.

[Images via Getty.]