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Vivienne Tang

An insider's guide to your favourite fashion brands

Who started it?

Alberta Ferretti  was born in 1950 in  Cattolica,  on the Adriatic  coast of Italy.  Her mother  was a  dressmaker  who  taught  Ferretti how to design clothes.  At the  age of 18 she opened  a boutique in Rimini called Jolly Shop, stocking clothes from designers she admired, including  Armani,  Krizia and Versace.

In 1974, she  launched her  womenswear label, Alberta Ferretti, and in 1980 she and her brother  Massimo founded the manufacturing company  Aeffe.   Over the years, the company has acquired the rights to produce and distribute designs  for brands such as  Moschino,  Pollini,  Basso  & Brooke,  Narciso Rodriguez and  Jean Paul Gaultier.

Ferretti made her debut  at Milan Fashion Week in 1981,  when her collection of pretty, romantic dresses caught the attention of the international media. In September 2004, she showed patchworks of different-coloured chiffon sewn together to create evening gowns. Shredded chiffon skirts featured  mirror embroidery, built-in jewellery and feathery  effects.

Her collections over the years have featured her trademark feminine, delicate and simple lines,  with antique  decoration. Ferretti is known for decisive  cuts, luxurious fabrics, beautiful construction and soft silhouettes   using beaded and embroidered chiffons and sari silks.

In 1984, Ferretti launched  her diffusion line, Philosophy  di Alberta Ferretti,   aimed at a younger  market.

In 2001, she introduced accessories, underwear and beachwear collections for both her lines.  By 2003, Ferretti  had boutiques in  major cities  including Moscow, Paris, Milan, Rome, Tokyo, New York, London and Taipei.  That year, she also produced 490 costumes for a production of Carmen  in Rome.

She made her name with  her  autumn/winter 2004 presentation,  when various Hollywood  actresses, including Uma Thurman,  commissioned her to create gowns for the forthcoming Oscars.

Last year, she received an award for  design achievement from the mayor of Rome,  Walter Veltroni, as well as  an award  from the International Fashion Group.    She remains head designer for her two lines.

The look?

For the autumn collection, Ferretti  presents a new  sophistication  with structured details and a nod to the 1960s.  The calf-high boots,  rounded capes and pod-shaped skirts  are decidedly retro. She  also mixes  black,  navy, brown and grey  using fabrics such as wool, jersey and her distinctive  chiffon ruffles. Dresses come in several styles, including short shifts, Empire line cocktail dresses  and high-waisted Edwardian  styles.

Who wears it?

Actresses Kate Bosworth, Natalie Portman, Angelina  Jolie and Scarlett  Johansson, and model  Gisele Bundchen.

Defining fashion moment?

Johannson wore a jade- green, satin  Ferretti gown to the academy awards  in February 2004,   putting the designer in the spotlight  once again.

Fun facts

Ferretti lives  in Montegridolfo,  a castle  that dates from the Middle Ages. In 2000, she received an honorary degree from the University of Bologna for  the castle's renovation.

Where?

Both lines are available at   her boutique, Shop  204-205, the Landmark, Central,  tel: 2118 3483  and at Lane Crawford. Alberta Ferretti is available at Lane Crawford, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui,  tel: 2118 3428. Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti is available at Lane Crawford, Canton Road, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2118 3668, and Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2118 3638.



Alberta Ferretti