ROME -- Sept. 21 marked the opening of women’s fashion week 2016, with this year’s budding designers championing a prêt-à-porter approach to haute couture.

 Six days, 70 shows and 31 events -- the day had arrived for fashion’s young prodigies to exhibit their collections. However, it seemed that this year the industry had undergone a subtle revolution.

 Gone are the days of high fashion available only for the elite few. Instead, designers are being called upon to reinterpret previous styles, advocating a fresh, modern take on everyday pieces.

 Mario Dice, 38, was set to display his contemporary angle on the historic Capucci brand, working with lycra and lightweight materials to give rise to a freer, sexier design which is, importantly, 'easy to wear'.

 Yet, of course couture pieces cannot be abandoned, as Nicoletta Spagnoli reinstated when speaking to La Repubblica, “fashion uses industrial workers yes, but when the clothes are especially important, incorporating precious details, they are made by hand.” Spagnoli’s collection was particularly bright and optimistic, inspired by the ‘hippy-chic’ glamour of the 60s.

  Gigliola Curiel, 40, daughter of the renowned Lella Curiel, also gained inspiration from the past. In her rather nostalgic feature, Curiel gives a nod to her grandmother who established a tailor shop in Milan during the 50s. The dressmaker became famous among the city’s bourgeoisie and hence the brand continued to prosper under her daughter, Lella. Gigliola, on the other hand, is focussed upon the current prêt-à-porter theme, determined to rejuvenate, yet still pay homage to, her grandmother’s tradition.

 Colour was clearly key, as black was pushed aside in favour of vibrant florals and prints. Liu Jo’s ‘Gold Label’ for example promoted a lively, energetic feel, advocating clothes that radiate positivity. Ottod’Ame went even further, featuring modulated prints and silhouettes for a bright, summery collection which is easy to mix and match.

 Patrizia Pepe also maintained focus upon the floral, whilst Lardini, working from their motto ‘love of quality’, boasted militaristic style pieces, softened by feminine bows to contrast.

 Jeckerson, renowned for their ‘casual-chic’ approach to everyday fashion, was ready to flaunt its stretchy denim trousers, embellished with those iconic coloured patches which put the label on the map.  

 However, it was the Ma’an collection which was possibly most intriguing. Designed by Bona Bonarelli, the name of the collection translates to water in Arabic, pertaining to purity and innocence. The clothes are created for the intelligent, elegant woman of both Western and Eastern origin. Bonarelli sponsors ethical fashion, expressed through graceful tunics, caftans and trousers.

 Hence, it appears that whilst haute couture shall always remain revered among designers and stylists alike, accessible, prêt-à-porter pieces are also on the rise. Fashion week, particularly this year, saw the integration of handmade masterpieces and everyday ‘easy to wear’ clothes, designed by the latest names in the industry.

 sw