MILAN, Oct 1, 2001/ --- To a pack of journalists by now overly familiar with the feminine flutter of chiffon that's been abundant in Milan's spring looks, it seems almost unfair that Alberta Ferretti - a master of such ephemeral style - should present her Spring 2002 collection so late in the game -- when the terms 'soft' and 'sheer,' 'pretty' and 'breezy,' and the sight of such, are beginning to get a bit tedious.

Fortunately, for all, Ferretti's show wasn't all whimsical flimsy. When Stella Tennant came out in a very work-wearable tailored jacket worn with a mini brick-colored pleated-chiffon skirt, it was evident that a little structure is going to go a long way for spring.

Because although it would be wonderful if women could lounge about all summer, barefoot, in see-through dresses that slip off the shoulders, the reality is that come Monday morning she needs something a little more suitable to wear.

And though there were strong pieces amidst all the fluidity - a baby blue and black flamenco-sleeved blouse, for example - the best, most ironically refreshing looks were those with some substance to them.

Whether it was the beautifully beaded pale rose dress, the pair of straight-legged gold pants worn under a sheer cream trailing top, chiffon blouse with smocking detail banded around the wrists and collar, the series of fern prints, the floral shoulder embellishments, the pieces that were somehow weighed down and substantial -- the ones that didn't just float by -- were the most memorable.

Alberta Ferreti

Alberta Ferreti

Alberta Ferreti

Alberta Ferreti