The past few seasons may have been tumultuous for Salvatore Ferragamo, but that’s a thing of the past for now. Their fall 2012 collection was strong and extremely tight in its focus… perhaps a little too one-note for some. If you don’t like sharp cuts and black, you’re out of luck.

It’s always nice to see a collection that is well conceived and beautifully executed. This womenswear line-up, based on menswear tailoring and military uniform, is able to grasp and realize femininity from this seemingly strong and silent man behind the fashion mirror. The look is conceptually men’s militaria, yet, couldn’t be more the opposite.

The tailoring, especially with the leathers and furs (including some spectacular broadtail treatments), is particularly impressive. More than a few pieces looked like silk moiré from afar and turned out to be broadtail up-close. The draping and tailoring execution is superb by all accounts, and is surely going to put Ferragamo back on people’s short list of designers to check when looking for that special piece.

The ability to create softness within an overwhelmingly black collection is a work of art in and of itself. Though severe, the collection finds ways to liven its stark appearance by playing reflective qualities against each other. The dynamic result softens the line-up’s hard edge and makes it palatable to a wider civilian audience.

We love what we are experiencing at Salvatore Ferragamo and we couldn’t be any happier with this collection. Bravo!