MILAN, Sep 27, 2006/ FW/ --- Perhaps it’s because Marni officially launched its e-commerce site yesterday, the same day Consuelo Castiglioni unveiled her Spring 2007 collection for the label. Maybe, it is even because the label had reached a pivotal point. Whatever the reason is, yesterday’s catwalk presentation was a set of brilliant futuristic looks that is just to die for.

It was a convergence of different elements from diverse schools of thought – sportswear, 1980s fashion staples and geometric shapes – that Castiglioni mixed beautifully into a directional and coherent collection.

The jogging suit became skinny crop pants, the tank top became the canvas of a cartoon, and the bustier became a bikini top. Origami folds were incorporated in trench coats; vinyl was used to create raincoats, skirts and blouses; while the scuba diver wetsuit became street wear.

Classic silhouettes like the balloon skirt was reworked to become a shift dress, cinched at the waist with a wide belt. In fact, belts are must-have accessories according to Marni, either as it is or sewn in.

The legging, a favorite of young girls during the 1980s was retrofitted to Capri length complete with stripes on the side to give it a very sportive look. Prints are stylized and geometric; while color blocks provided both texture and color.

Castiglioni, who is known for her optimistic vision of fashion kept that bright and cheerful outlook with her new aesthetics. Sorbet shades of canvas, alabaster and marble happily complemented the darker shades of steel gray.

The collection, which is full of color, also gave nod to the neutral palette of the season with black & white pieces or a combination of the two also seen on the runway.

And as always with Marni, the accessories are unique and lovable. Beginning with the rounded and floppy bags in aged or patent leather, sporting shoulder straps or small oval handles to the patent leather pumps with stacked heels to leather sandals and sabots, just made it to the must-have items list for Spring.

Marni

Marni

Marni

Marni