SO “unimaginative” might be a little harsh, but we can’t shake the feeling. Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli’s efforts just didn’t grab us, but we’d still give it a go. As uninspiring it may be—we had to wonder aloud if this was indeed couture or a prêt-à-porter collection overflow—we loved the mini hemlines, the dropped waists and the kitten heels. But if those stick-thin models manage to look like they’re wearing sacks, what chance do the rest of us have?

That said, the crinolines and birdcages lightened our moods a little, and we were left deciding which dress we’d rather wear between the high-necked, black chiffon number with the giant flower appliqué and the grey tube dress with its yellow, origami organza skirt.

Is this haute couture meant to delight our sartorial senses or one catered to the red carpet treading, “Twi-hard” generation?

Alas, our confusion remaining and our questions left unanswered, we salute Chiuri and Piccioli for trying to fill Garavani’s (irreplaceable) shoes. But that is little consolation for those of us yearning to play by the old rules.

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