Luca Orlandi said that the guiding spirit for his fall collection was Lara Croft, the danger-loving adventuress of Tomb Raider fame. And the slithery, revealing looks he sent out for fall certainly seem likely to land their wearer in precarious situations—which she’s clearly equipped to handle, of course.
This tough-but-sexy babe dresses primarily in black, although it’s anything but basic: shiny silk satin, fur-trimmed wool, and, naturally, lots of leather. The cut is scuba-suit tight (all the better for sliding out of tight squeezes) and accessorized with ruching, Swarovski crystals, bias ruffles, lacing, and fur. The accessory of choice? A teetery stiletto (which doubles handily as a weapon). Orlandi mixed in some neat wool coats and even a cozy bulky black sweater for days when his heroine is laying low, while the scattering of rose-petal pink dresses are perfect for those moments when a little old-fashioned femininity is called for. For evening, Orlandi sent out high-drama body-hugging gowns that a latter-day Lara will happily sport—especially if it’s on a red carpet.
