Ilenia Durazzi brought 19th-century oil paintings and Caravaggio’s chiaroscuro shades to life with a collection called “The Nymphs,” which was full of rock chick charm and masculine shapes.
Durazzi’s looks certainly had swagger, and she showed them off during a polished presentation in her showroom and exhibition space so that everyone could see the details up close.
They included swingy leather tassels, inspired by traditional Spanish riding boots, on knee-high socks, and a long, dramatic shawl made from long silvery chains layered over a dark suit. The designer said she wanted to nod both to artisanal designs, and to industrial tools of days past.
She drew on her strong menswear background to create low-slung trousers with dangling chains which she paired with cropped, loose-fitting vests. One done in black leather had a scoop-neck, zip-front vest, and a whole lot of attitude.
Tailoring was sleek, and came in the shape of a gray jacket with a leather buckle fastening at the waist, and an off-white, ankle-length trench with rounded shoulders and black collar. Durazzi fused military and pajama vibes in the form of a silky black suit with a belted waist and patch pockets.
Dresses were raw-edged and delicate with draping at the sides, and fabric looped through silvery rings. There was even a minidress done in silvery fabric. It was like a bolt of lightning amid the dark, silver-edged silhouettes.
Although this was a small collection, there was something for every kind of woman, nymph or not.
