Vivetta Ponti is a designer who is not only living in the present day but also thriving in the past. Inspired by the music of the Shangri-Las, Ponti has brought the whimsical fashion of the 1960s back to life. The contrast between masculine and feminine styles remains her obsession, and she has incorporated this into her designs.
In her Fall/Winter 2023 collection, Ponti has taken popular styles from the 60s and given them a modern twist. She has combined her signature masculine tailoring with elements of the baby-doll dress, the quilted bed jacket, and the Mary Jane shoe. The result is a playful and sometimes quirky collection that has a nostalgic feel.
Her designs include short, lace-edged baby-doll dresses, knitted tights in pastel shades, and Mary Janes with big crystal bows. The quilted jackets have been transformed into short trapeze nightgown dresses and asymmetric skirts. Some of the designs are cute, while others look messy with too many layers, lace, and bows. The best looks are the clean ones, such as the short red velvet cape, easy shirtdresses, long poet’s blouses with ruffle details, and trenches with crystal bow embroidery.
Vivetta Ponti has a wonderful sense of fantasy and her shows are a refreshing change in a town known for its fine tailoring and classic styles. Although her unconventional take on fashion doesn’t always hit the mark, it’s always fun to watch her bring the retro dream to life.