Vivetta Ponti, a renowned designer, has unveiled her latest venture, Venerdì Pomeriggio, marking a significant pivot in her career. This new brand, whose name translates to "Friday Afternoon," symbolizes a fresh start, emphasizing a slower, more deliberate approach to fashion. Ponti aims to create a sustainable and accessible luxury brand through limited capsule collections, direct sales, and a focus on unique, domestically inspired designs crafted from repurposed materials.
Vivetta Ponti's Reimagined Fashion Vision: "Venerdì Pomeriggio" Embraces Sustainability and Intimacy
Vivetta Ponti, an acclaimed figure in the fashion world, recently introduced her new label, Venerdì Pomeriggio (Friday Afternoon), a concept born from a challenging personal period. She envisions the brand as a serene escape, akin to the calm solace of a Friday afternoon, encouraging moments of freedom and self-expression through attire. Ponti's new direction eschews the traditional fashion calendar, opting instead for a series of small, genderless capsule collections released periodically. This strategy enables the brand to maintain quality and exclusivity, avoiding the pressures of mass production and frequent discounting. By selling directly to consumers and through a select network of boutiques, Ponti ensures affordability without compromising on artistic integrity. The inaugural collection draws heavily from domestic aesthetics, featuring innovative designs such as a dress fashioned from two layered, intricately embroidered tablecloths, transforming into a literal table structure during the runway show. Another notable piece, the "lamp dress," translates the form of a chandelier into a wearable sculpture. The collection also includes prairie dresses adorned with lace, Victorian-inspired elements, bloomers, nautical collars, and pajama sets, all evoking a sense of nostalgic comfort. A cornerstone of Venerdì Pomeriggio is its unwavering commitment to sustainability. All garments are crafted from deadstock or upcycled fabrics, meticulously sourced across Italy. Ponti’s approach involves acquiring every available meter of a discovered fabric, ensuring that each piece is unique and cannot be replicated once the material is depleted. Interior textiles like upholstery florals, striped poplins, and polka-dot georgettes are recontextualized into apparel with exquisite finishes, including carefully edged pockets and meticulous binding. Denim is embellished with colorful floral embroidery, and vintage leather is reimagined with intricate ribbon detailing. Even accessories, such as silk scrunchies, moiré laptop cases, and silk pouches, are made from warehouse remnants, adorned with care, and embroidered in Puglia. Footwear collaborations, like those with ViBi Venezia for velvet Mary Janes and Superduper for sculptural hats, further highlight the brand's artisanal focus. The brand's packaging extends this narrative of intimacy and care, featuring logoed ribbons, tiny house-shaped accessory boxes revealing the color of socks inside, and whimsical stickers. These elements are designed to evoke the warmth and personal touch of being invited into someone's home on a Friday afternoon. Ponti’s mother, a consistent source of inspiration, was also present on the runway, wearing a pink and white striped ensemble, underscoring the brand's familial and personal roots. The runway presentation, staged within an apartment setting adorned with themed wallpaper, saw men embracing traditionally feminine styles, and brand friends showcasing playful "cat bags." Ponti's overarching vision is to re-establish a romantic connection with fashion, fostering a happy, small team dedicated to producing exceptional creations.
Ponti's initiative transcends mere fashion; it’s a profound commentary on consumerism and the pursuit of mindful living. In an era dominated by rapid fashion cycles and transient trends, her dedication to sustainable practices, artisanal craftsmanship, and a limited production model offers a refreshing alternative. It reminds us that true luxury resides not in abundance, but in authenticity, scarcity, and a deep appreciation for the creative process and the environmental impact of our choices. Venerdì Pomeriggio invites both the industry and consumers to pause, reflect, and embrace a more meaningful, romantic relationship with clothing.
