Alessandra Rich named her fall collection “In a World of My Own.” Given the state of the world today, it’s tempting to retreat into our own headspace or tune out the chaos around us. However, rather than making a social statement, Rich was alluding to the desire for intimacy and tranquility. The presentation was held at her lavish Paris showroom, whose luxurious marble interiors and sweeping views of the city make it rather easy to remain into one’s own world.
Rich was in a mood for streamlining, keeping her usual indulgence in frills on a leash. Fewer bows, fewer ruffles, fewer girlish embellishments—yet her ingénue-meets-naughty spirit remained firmly in place. The lingerie look and the boudoir-state-of-undress she favors are never overt or provocative; instead, her approach is playful and light handed, remaining within the bounds of decorum— if it weren’t, would the Princess of Wales be among her devoted clients?
The boudoir-state-of-undress look played out in pretty bralettes layered under tuxedos, or fluffy mohair sets featuring miniskirts and bras in pastel hues, while a tough black leather biker jacket did little to subdue the frivolous appeal of a black slip dress encrusted with Chantilly lace worn underneath. Evening gowns in luscious black velvet with lace intarsia looked both glamorous and chic—the kind of style that would suit the Princess of Wales just fine.
