francesca marotta shows us the love of her life

It takes a strong woman to name her collection Amore Della mia Vita (Love of my life).. But there is no denying that designer Francesca Marotta will break some hearts with her AW12 collection.

Showing in the grandiose surroundings of the new My Beautiful Fashion venue at Goldsmiths Hall; The gothic architecture and dramatic scenery set the pace for the beautiful, earie, yet wearably romantic pieces that were shown.

The models acted the parts of Sicilian widows, lovers, sisters and mothers as they sashayed in combinations of leather, silk, wool and lace. With thorny hair styling, coupled with commissioned jewellery by Milko Boyarov, the green, blue and red phosphorescent statement pieces stepped up the game and sparked a bit of youthful colour into the predominantly black collection.

Blatantly sexual, the see through lace is bound to be a hit on the red carpet, and I can see Lady Gaga or Jessie J in the finale dress and headpiece. But Francesca has something for the off duty sex siren too, and included chunky knits coupled with trousers, cosy overcoats and several little black dresses. All defining femininity by drawing attention to the waist, wrist or a splash of lace on the leg.

As her last collection was a glamorous, ready to wear, this one too contains many commercial pieces, my particular favourites being the trouser suit, lace shirt and big knits. Subtly sexy and no doubt will make the wearer the love of anyone’s life!

By Sara Darling