By Alannah Messett – designandcolour@gmail.com

The pre fall 2016 collections took us from Japan to Florence, from old-school florals to dramatic snakeskin. The collections were full of prints and here is a review of our favourites.

Alberta Ferretti

Alberta Ferretti was full of rich, vibrant prints. Animal prints covered coats, boots and dresses, with elaborate designs for their formal evening dresses. This collection is dramatic with an animal twist.

Valentino

Valentino’s 84-look collection took us travelling across the globe. The two designers, Chiuri and Piccioli, took us to Japan and across America – specifically New York.

Red Valentino

Valentino’s sister line’s signature girly look had a grown-up make over, with 70s vibes and floral prints. A mix of geometric and floral prints in feminine silhouettes kept things exciting.

Preen Line

Preen’s second line mixed romanticism with the tough for Pre Fall 2016. Florals were toughened up with grid patterns and soft, flowing dresses were paired with black boots and biker jackets or masculine overcoats.

Diane Von Furstenberg

Diane Von Furstenberg has a story for every collection and this was no exception. Pre Fall 2016 was titled Palazzo and was inspired by ‘the grand palazzos of Rome and Florence’, as well as the Italian patterned silk ties and scarves of E. Marinella. You can see this influence in the printed soft, weightless dresses and skirts.

Erdem

Erdem, famous for their floral prints, have produced an elegant, feminine collection full of old-fashioned magic – the perfect inspiration for Valentine’s Day.