Alberta Ferretti: La Dolce Vita

In fashion the runway and the clothes exhibited symbolize the expression of their creator.  One of the most emotive designers in the industry is Alberta Ferretti, who established herself in the 1970’s as a global name in fashion.

Alberta has been actively working in design for over 40 years.  According to the Encyclopedia of World Biography, Alberta spent much of her adolescence working in her mother’s dressmaking and alterations shop and learned how to make clothes from her. By the time she was 18, Alberta owned her own small boutique called Jolly, selling the clothes of up-and-coming designers Giorgio Armani and Gianni Versace.  Five years later, she was running her own line and began working on what eventually became her entrepreneurial empire.

Over the years Alberta has lived and created her base of operations in Cattolica, Italy.  In addition to conceptualizing for her own clothes, she also owns a manufacturing and distribution company, Aeffe, which commissions work for other fashion labels.  Aeffe is also managed by Alberta’s younger brother, Massimo, who now oversees the production of Alberta’s own collections along with Jean Paul Gaultier, Velmar and several other brands. According to Shop Style, Alberta’s collections tend to specialize in dresses that are wide-ranging in color and design, and all of her clothes are intended for women.  Some are short dresses which end roughly at the wearer’s knee, while others, particularly the chiffon styles, flow down past the feet.  Most dresses cost over of $2,000, though several varieties can be found on sale between $300 and $1,300.

Although Alberta has a pension for dresses, she also designs tops, pants, skirts, shoes, bags and different types of outerwear.  These mostly range from $200 to $800 and do not have a wide-ranging selection of dresses.  Common fabrics used in all of her designs include silk, satin and various blends of wool.

When asked about her styles, Alberta is very frank.  In an interview with London’s Independent she says, “My clothes are not trendy at all costs. They are an extension of a woman’s personality, not for the woman who identifies with a seventies or a forties look.”

Alberta’s best known collection is Philosophy, launched in 1989 as Ferretti Jeans Philosophy before changing to its current title Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti.  This line is considerably less expensive than her name brand, and Philosophy tends to focus more on casual and professional attire, rather than elegant dresses.    

In an interview with Women’s Wear Daily Alberta described the inspiration behind the line.  “The line allows me to let my creativity run wild,” she exclaims.  “Because the prices are contained and well below my top line, I feel much more free in designing.”  Shop Style lists most items between $100 and $300.

Alberta’s clothes can be found online at her website and other online retailers such as Shop Style.  There are also locations for Alberta Ferretti worldwide, including New York City and Los Angeles, which also carry her Philosophy brand.  According to the Alberta Ferretti  brand website, celebrities who have worn her styles recently include Glenn Close, Nikki Reed and Minnie Driver.

Alberta Ferretti has been and will continue to be regarded as a legend of the fashion industry.  From Milan to Paris to Los Angeles her styles garner attention from all kinds of media and celebrities, and her lines are consistently acclaimed.  Until (or if) Alberta considers retirement, her brands will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of fashion.

-Taylor Burns