In the second-century B.C., Roman console Marco Emilio Lepido decided to build a road connecting Italy’s seaside town of Rimini to Piacenza, creating the famous Via Aemilia road, which was later gradually extended to reach Milan. That ancient road served as the symbol of designer Federico Cina’s journey, from his laid-back lifestyle in the Emilia Romagna countryside to the glamour of Milan’s catwalks. A map showing Via Aemilia became the allover print that the designer splashed on white shirts, bombers and trenches, while rustic images of grapes sprouted on chunky jacquard sweaters.
Reworking tailoring staples with a soft hand and a delicate spirit, Cina also showed chic slightly padded blazers and deconstructed field jackets crafted in suiting fabrics, pairing them with pleated pants cut in generous silhouettes. Knitted details, such as maxi ribbed collars, appeared on jackets and coats in sophisticated shades of gray, burgundy, green and white. More quintessentially feminine looks included felt A-line midi skirts paired with silk blouses, as well as knitted tops punctuated with snap fasteners.
Embracing an effortless, sometimes languid look, Cina focused on clothes that don’t constrict the body, reflecting a new collective need for both a gentler idea of elegance and comfort, too.
