​The special art of hosting a soirée, arguably a dying social skill, was the key to a swish and stylish collection by Lorenzo Serafini for the house of Alberta Ferretti this season.

Using whisper-light fabrics – chiffon, floaty silk and crochet – Serafini offered up a fresh vision of evening elegance. Created in a great palette of ecru, foam green, Aegean blue and coral pink, the summer shades were in marked contrast to a Milan Tuesday of heavy clouds and intermittent showers.
 
Staged with grace inside a neo-classical Milanese palazzo with marble floors and frescoes of peacocks and pheasants, an ideal location for a refined supper. Throughout there was a sense of sensual confidence, imparted by some great combinations. Flared chiffon pants with meter-long scarf tops; flowing tents dresses that billowed out when walking;  halter necks held with metallic silver collars. Or splendid deep George gowns, and some super color-blocked Moorish dresses.
 

Many dresses and skirts trimmed with fabric beads and baubles, on a cast many of whom wore posh hippie fringed moccasins. 

“I was imagining the most perfectly dressed host for today. Spending comfortable quality time in an intimate scenario. A private world, not over exposed on social media,” explained a smiling Serafini. Standing before a mood board that included images of Sofia Coppola, Stella Tennant and Tina Chow.
 
“Tina was one of the highest hostess. Nothing nostalgic. I wanted a homage to these free spirits.  I wish we had more of them nowadays,” he stressed.
 

This week Alberta Ferretti also opened of the new flagship store in Milan, in Via Spiga 26, in the heart of the Quadrilatero Della Moda. Spread over two levels, the new boutique is developed around architectural elements that convey the atmosphere of a wardrobe-living room, where the use of a resin, specially made by a Milanese artisan for the walls and floor, creates an “infinite” effect.
 
A precious table in Canaletto walnut and brass with curved lines evokes the world of jewelry. Walnut bookcases are designed to showcase bags and accessories, and day-bed seats featuring an ivory bouclé fabric upholstery, define a relaxing and immersive journey into the brand.