Now that's Italian

Straight from Milan: Alberta Ferretti showcases dreamy spring collection atAmerican Express runway show

Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio
Alberta Ferretti's spring/summer 2012 collection emphasizes a send of illusion.
Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio
Aeffe USA president Michelle Stein, left, translated for Alberta Ferretti duringa question-and-answer session.
Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio
Seen in the crowd: Joanne King Herring and Tootsies owner Mickey Rosmarin
Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio
Following the show, Alberta Ferretti and InStyle magazine fashion director HalRubenstein discussed fashion.
Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio
Hal Rubenstein and Becca Cason Thrash
Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio
Diane Lokey Farba and Lynn Wyatt, center, look intently at the runway designs inthe Alberta Ferretti show.
Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio
Alberta Ferretti black cady blouse cropped trouser, both with silk chiffonillusion paneling
Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio
Alberta Ferretti turquoise silk spaghetti strap gown with bugle bead detailing
Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio
Alberta Ferretti ivory silk crepe de chine sleeveless jumpsuit with bugle breadembroidery inserts
Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio
Alberta Ferretti yellow silk chiffon backless sheath with basket weave
Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio
Alberta Ferretti royal blue silk satin short sleeve dress with chiffon illusioninserts and open draped back
Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio

As the co-founder of Aeffe, the Italian company that produces and distributes collections by Jean Paul Gaultier, Moschino and Cacheral as well as her namesake brands, Alberta Ferretti is an astute businesswoman. But she also loves to dream.

A dreamy quality is evident in Ferretti's spring/summer 2012 collection, which she showcased to a select group Houstonians at Tootsies Wednesday night, courtesy of American Express.

The collection, which was shown for the first time outside of Milan, features colorful chiffon gowns, graphic jungle prints, art deco slipdresses — Ferretti said she was "a bit inspired by the romantic jungle of the 1920s" — and dresses and coats with bugle bead embroidery insets, tulle panels and nude lining to create sense of illusion.

"I'm always attempting to create a very unique woman — I say an almost dreamy woman — because in the real concrete world of today, dreaming is so important."

"I love a delicate woman — a woman who allows herself to be discovered just bit by bit, that dreamy feminine thing," Ferretti told CultureMap through an interpreter after the show. "I'm always attempting to create a very unique woman — I say an almost dreamy woman — because in the real concrete world of today, dreaming is so important because it helps us really face the harsh reality of day-to-day life."

The production quality of the show certainly rivaled a European runway presentation. A tent-like structure filled a good part of the interior of Tootsies, with lucite chairs and a mirrored wall that reflected the models as they walked the runway. Ferretti seemed to impart her dreamy vision to the models, many of whom are regulars at Houston fashions shows but seemed to walk more confidently and professionally under her tutelage.

Afterwards, Ferretti engaged in a question-and-answer session with InStyle magazine fashion editor Hal Rubenstein.

"The thing I like most about fashion is modernity and romance," Rubenstein said. "Alberta's designs are intricate and effortless. They excite you but they don't overtake you."

Among the questions Rubenstein asked Ferretti was how much prominence should fashion have in a person's life? Her response:

Really, what fashion should do is accompany life. It shouldn't be the most important. But it signals and marks time. When we see ourselves dressed in the '60s, '70s, '80s or '90s, it brings back the moment, whether it's good or bad. It's really just dressing the times of our life. That's what fashion is to me."

The show brought out a large crowd of the Houston fashion faithful, including Debra and Mark Grierson, Lynn Wyatt, Mary K Kickerillo and Kelli Kickerillo, Becca Cason Thrash, Joanne Herring King, Sheridan Williams, Fran Lichtenstein and Melissa and Michael Mithoff.

AmEx events

The Ferretti fashion show was the latest in a series of special events that American Express is organizing for its Houston customers. Recently the company has organized showing of movies from the Tribeca Film Festival at the Alamo Drafthouse and a dinner at Reef featuring a demonstration by noted chefs.

"Houston is a huge market for us. Even when we have our events in New York around fashion week, we have Houston customers," said American Express vice-president Sonali Chakravorti, who oversees such events for Platinum and Centurion cardholders. "The idea now is we've been focusing on these passions, we should really be bringing these passions to where our customers are."

Chakravorti says that Houston cardholders can expect more such events in the areas of food, wine, sports, film and fashion, with insider information they can't find anywhere else. "A lot of people are shouting about access nowadays. We like to say, 'What's the insider look?' and getting our customers much closer to the people they admire."

"A lot of people are shouting about access nowadays. We like to say, 'What's the insider look?' and getting our customers much closer to the people they admire."

AmEx's increased Houston presence also appears to be an attempt to woo customers who can no longer use their Platinum and Centurion cards for admission into Continental Airline's airport clubs. Also American Express cardholders can no longer redeem their points for frequent-flier miles in the Continental OnePass program. (The benefits were discontinued at the end of September.)

"I think we're always trying to make sure that we are positively impacting our customers' lives," Chakravorti said. "Certainly with United and Continental merging, it's changed the landscape quite a bit. I think what we've focused on is trying to find other ways to make things easier. We still have a number of ways to use your points on United and/or Continental, ways to get into the lounges. We continue to say, 'Hey what's important to our customers? How do we make their lives easier?'

"Particularly with credit cards, there's a huge focus on the affluent market, a niche that we've had for quite a long time. For us, it made sense to say, 'Let's start bringing those experiences that are important to our customers and really show them.' People who are American Express customers know why they are American Express customers, so let's give them more of what they want."

Visit to Menil

It was the second visit to Houston for Ferretti, who was here about eight years ago for a Houston Grand Opera event at the home of John and Becca Cason Thrash. On this trip, she snuck in a visit to the Menil Collection between preparing for the fashion show and meeting with customers at Tootsies on Thursday. She labeled the Menil visit "fantastic."

In addition to her Alberta Ferretti line and a less expensive line, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Ferritti plans to showcase a demi-couture collection next month at her Milan headquarters.

"It's the next step, because some clients ask for unique pieces," she said. "I am constantly reinventing myself becasue I know that women are constantly reinventing themselves."

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STYLISH SUMMER

Where to shop in Houston right now: 12 hot drops for a summer refresh

Photo courtesy of Hunter Bell

Houston-based Hunter Bell brings sporty style and tropical prints to summer with its latest collections.

Summer shopping season is officially in full swing, and Houston boutiques are providing plenty of reasons for a warm weather refresh. From new store openings and limited edition collaborations to Father's Day finds, these are the latest shopping happenings that deserve a spot on your radar this month.

A.L.C.
A.L.C.'s Summer 2026 collection just launched and is now available at River Oaks District. The lineup features natural and breathable fabrics, including viscose, linen, and cotton, in a vibrant mix of prints perfect for the season.

Baroque & Bloom
A new luxury fragrance boutique by Scent Split is now open in Houston’s Galleria area. Scent Split is the largest online destination for niche fragrances, specializing in hand-decanted original perfumes available in sample and travel sizes. The platform makes it easy to explore unique fragrances and find scents that resonate before investing in a full bottle.

Biscuit Home
Houston's go-to home accessories store recently partnered with Natalie Steen for a curated assortment of linens perfect for summer. The collection includes luxury cotton shams, sheets, duvet covers, and vanity bags.

Burdlife
The piercing pros at M-K-T Heights are offering free piercings every Wednesday beginning June 3. The service is free all day; customers only pay for their jewelry. Walk-ins and online reservations are welcome.

Cavender's Boot City
The Western-fashion superstore just launched their Americana Collection to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. The curated selection focuses on wearable Western staples, including denim, hats, boots, and U.S.A.-made brands.

Tommy Bahama
Ready for long pool days or a beach vacation, Tommy Bahamas' newest clothing launch, available at the Galleria, includes innovative fabrics and a collaboration with designer John Robshaw, whose prints are featured on swimwear and resort wear. The women's swim collection also includes separates that are easy to mix and match with different styles to flatter all body types.

Tommy John
Perfect for Father's Day gifting, Tommy John recently launched a new campaign with premium Piqué polos, pants, shorts, and signature underwear. The new pants and shorts are designed with moisture-wicking fabric and UPF sun protection.

Hunter Bell
Just in time for the FIFA World Cup, Houston-based brand Hunter Bell is kicking off the summer with HB Athletic Club, a sporty capsule collection featuring styles such as a cropped jersey and a collaboration with Freya on a limited-edition hat. The brand has also recently unveiled its latest summer collection, packed with tropical vibes perfect for Houston's warm weather. The summer drop includes playful prints on dresses, matching sets, swimwear, and accessories.

Lucchese Bootmaker x Perini Ranch
Texas heritage brands Lucchese Bootmaker and Perini Ranch, the James Beard Award-winning steakhouse in Buffalo Gap, Texas, have partnered to offer a unique gift-with-purchase promotion for Father's Day. When customers spend $1,100 or more on two or more items, they will receive a Perini Ranch Cookbook and their Trio Spice Rub. This special promotion will run through June 20th, while supplies last, and will be available both online and in-store at Lucchese Bootmaker locations.

Miron Crosby
Luxury cowboy boot brand, Miron Crosby, just debuted a new addition to its handcrafted boot lineup: the Marianne Crimson. A romantic take on vintage rodeo style, Marianne is a retro-inspired shorty cowboy boot in crimson. The silhouette features the brand's signature scalloped collar and elevated stitch detailing.

Swarovski
Swarovski is now open in Houston Premium Outlets. Shoppers can stock up on the brand's precision-cut crystal jewelry, accessories, home décor, and fashion embellishments. The new boutique is located near Michael Kors in Neighborhood 2

Zadok Jewelers x The Studio Mayfair
Zadok Jewelers has partnered with The Studio Mayfair, the custom tailoring house founded by Sterling Dio, for a limited-time residency inside the Nina Magon Lounge at Zadok's Post Oak boutique. Through June 16, Zadok Jewelers and The Studio Mayfair will offer made-to-order suiting alongside a curated selection of fine jewelry and timepieces from Zadok Jewelers, including Sterling Dio’s personal jewelry picks designed to complement modern tailoring. Appointments are by reservation only.

Photo courtesy of Hunter Bell

Houston-based Hunter Bell brings sporty style and tropical prints to summer with its latest collections.

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