Casual was the buzzword at Monday morning’s Antonio Berardi show, which ironically enough took place at the penthouse space of an office building. While the Spring/Summer 2014 collection didn’t exactly fit a casual or an office dress code, it was doubtlessly an exercise in the deconstruction of Berardi’s trademark sexy glamour. Sure, there were long translucent trains and posh hootchie stiletto sandals, but the designer’s take on sports and leisurewear staples brought a fresh sense of invention to the table, and did its best to break this brave new territory easy to the dazzling Berardi glamour puss wearer.
It would be a shame to say it was stripped down or dressed down, but pieces like a matching jumper and skirt in a bubblegum pink crocodile texture or an oversized jumper made entirely in a stiff, black see-through material didn’t do a bad job at balancing casual with Antonio Berardi. In that way the collection signified a cautious step towards something new for Berardi, but it was one that could easily have been less cautious and a little more severe. After all, when it comes to eveningwear Berardi has never been one to takes things easy.
