Romanticism is Back

United Colors of Benetton presents Spring-Summer collection 2015 in all-Italian style inspired by the romanticism of Amalfi’s maze of little streets, perfect for walks by the seashore in a magical golden sunset. United Colors of Benetton pays tribute to the inimitable appeal of Italian dress sense, and especially that of iconic cities such as Rome.

Spring is a burst of blossoms for Benetton’s sophisticated woman. Her fashion is elegant, wearable and very feminine. Well-proportioned lines recall the happy, sunny atmosphere of Rome in the fifties – cropped trousers, little shirts tied at the waist, twin-sets and car coats that fit like a glove. The sophisticated woman takes inspiration from the queens of easy chic glamour, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O. Glittery metallic-effect jacquard dusters sparkle over easy chic flared dresses; completing this look, dresses that are perfect for evenings in precious silks and taffetas.

For cocktail wear there are romantic little dresses with tulle inserts, sheer, see-through effect blouses and black (mostly) or old rose and powder pink billowing shirts embellished with micro jewel details – a pearl-edged cuff or a jet-trimmed tulle sleeve.

Here’s a thumbs up for Benetton’s dynamic style and this spring’s urban look, which reinterprets the preppy look in vogue in Rome’s elegant Parioli district. The watchword – play with the nuances of the numerous versatile flowered shirts and wear them under the original flared or slim-fit dusters available in a range of colours from beige to yellow and ultramarine green. Silhouettes are slim, both for chinos with a masculine preppy feel and for tops and short-sleeve honeycomb sweaters.

This spring, colour blocks of classic Benetton colours are mixed with camel. An example of this très chic look is the orange pencil skirt with a slim cotton sweater in fiery red and a single-breasted beige coat.

For lovers of subtle floral prints there are irresistible pleated skirts, nipped-waist garden party dresses, perfect for a more formal occasion or a chic aperitif. For a top to toe effect they can be paired with pumps in the same pattern.

Benetton has also designed a line of sparkling bijoux in an enviable range of colours for all women. Chandelier earrings and gold and diamante necklaces are faceted with crystals. Both coloured and enamelled pendants are given a fifties American costume style – from modern design bronze and black chokers to classic double or triple strands of imitation pearls to wear day and night, to a sophisticated clutch embellished with stylized crystal flowers and jewelled sandals.

In this setting of refined simplicity we find elegant women who wear a chic Benetton style featuring the lightness of cottons and chiffon and polished details. Peplum-effect dresses have sequined skirts, sleeveless tops are exquisitely embroidered, blouses feature a bouffant effect and godet skirts are midi and pleated or embellished with embroidery.

Colours are sweet: cream, pale blue, pastel pink, all natural shades enlivened by a touch of lime and the sparkle of accessories designed to make styling more elegant – ‘waterfall’ necklaces, slim belts in macaroon shades, minimal or crystal and coloured stone-encrusted flat sandals, a mint green mini clutch studded with stones and beads, or elegant piquet tote bags to pair with easy chic patent ankle-strap sandals.

Days at the seaside mean the green light for ethno chic influences: embroidered kurtas, blouses with soft pleats and drawstring waists, ornamented strapless dresses and shimmering silk skirts. Organic colours are favourites, from brick to coffee and sable nuances and unexpected china blue accents for cotton sheath dresses with geometric or Indian-style patterns.

Benetton uses fabrics such as sophisticated linen to give a touch of naturalness to bermudas and elegant A-line dresses. A fashion that mixes ‘green’, natural textures with sparkling, icy flashes, featured above all on accessories – metallic-effect shoes, rock crystal costume jewellery, gold sequinned clutch bags and sandals with a pink gold glow.

Designed for the active, cosmopolitan woman, the pieces with a more urban style are still feminine and contemporary. It’s a ‘new age’ fashion that favours neutral shades and the naturalness of cotton. Key pieces for this look are the on-trend pant-skirt and the ecru top with spaghetti straps paired with delicious luxury thong sandals and folk chic jewellery in shades of cream and old rose.

Trims and details are always refined. After all, the Benetton brand has been designing fashion for the world’s women for forty years, and doing it in ‘Italian’ style and with meticulous care. The brand has cotton dresses with exquisite open-work embroidered inserts, mini cardigans in semi-sheer tricot, flared maxi-skirts and embroidered blouses in the lightest lace and cotton.

There are lots of layers of macramé and lace (also with denim) – a leitmotiv also found on bloomers, shirts and little sweaters that look as if they are crocheted, and even on earrings, that recall delicate old lacework. Top accessories for this slightly seventies look are the rope wedges or the espadrilles in canvas and sequins. Then there are the romantic, modern ballerina pumps to wear with floral print flowing maxi-dresses with ruched neckline in shades of pale blue and pink.