Nina Ricci Spring 2013 Paris Ready-To-Wear
On one hand, Nina Ricci’s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear was all feminine and flirty—pretty polka dots and ladylike satin, playful sequins and delicate draping. On the other, it’s femme fatale—daring fishnets, see through mesh, suggestive zippers and leather harness details. Nina Ricci was all about the contrast this season—a demure pencil skirt with a zipper slit or a fringe adorned sheath reminiscent of the Great Gatsby, almost demure if not for it’s belly button-grazing cut.
Transparency played a big role in the collection, connecting innocence with sexiness. Managing to merge sheerness with sophistication, cocktail gowns took an unexpected turn, constructed of iridescent black fishnets. Criss-crossed leather harnesses lie atop see-through mesh. The prominence of the polka dot is also worth noting—large, but subtle across a boat neck gown, small and nearly transparent across a strapless sheath, black and splattered across sheer V-necklines. Fringe had its moment, as well, particularly in the case of a knee-length pale pink skirt and a silvery cocktail dress.
The hues stretched across the color spectrum—from lilac and vivid mint to deep black and sensual crimson-magenta to nudes and glittering silver. The collection stayed interesting with its range of texture—tweed jackets, daring lace skinnies, sequin detailing, chiffon draping. Accenting all this was the presence of the skinny stiletto. Sky high and most often a patent black, they accessorized each ensemble without drawing attention. Necks were either bare or adorned with heavy,metal,statement necklaces.
The collection was in a word—stunning. True to its reputation, the label retained its sweet femininity while sensualizing it to just the right amount of sexiness, not garishness. Each piece was either beautifully tailored or intricately draped with surprising details that managed to display each contrasting element of a woman’s personality and feminine allure.
Reach reporter Leah Harari here.