Designer Vivetta Ponti showcases a collection blending whimsy and surrealism, featuring garments with playful illusions and dual identities.
At Milan Fashion Week, designer Vivetta Ponti showcased her latest collection, which is characterized by a distinctive blend of whimsy and surrealist artistry. This year’s lineup is marked by garments that take on dual identities, emphasizing playful illusions throughout the designs. The presentation blurred the lines between fashion and fantasy, incorporating trompe l’oeil details, animated silhouettes, and gravity-defying shapes.
Among the standout features of the collection were pussy bows that transformed into hands adorned with painted fingernails, while red-and-white neckties seamlessly extended into flowing scarves. Miniskirts were designed to double as jackets, effectively tied at the waist. Ponti noted, “It’s a cleaner collection than in the past, with all of the ’60s shapes that I love—but somehow, it’s off,” highlighting her intention to create a mix of structured yet playful designs.
The collection included structured skirts and capes that defied gravity, with their hemlines curling mid-air thanks to hidden wirework. Additionally, pearl necklaces were reimagined as sculptural twists, embellished with oversized black ribbons. The interplay of functionality and fantasy was evident in mint green princess coats with leopard collars and A-line coats, blending dramatic flair with wearability.
Ponti’s focus on duality was significant, showcased through skirt suits that presented superimposed jacket silhouettes in contrasting hues. A more modest gray pleated dress was cleverly designed to reveal a vibrant striped lining at the back, illustrating a commitment to both artistic expression and practical wear.
While the use of optical illusions could easily be dismissed as a gimmick in the hands of other designers, Vivetta’s precise tailoring served to anchor her whimsical vision. As surreal fashion continues to thrive—ranging from the avant-garde theatrics of labels like Schiaparelli to Vivetta’s sweet yet mischievous approach—this collection stands out as a testament to the demand for a touch of magic in contemporary fashion.
Source: Noah Wire Services
