Aspesi

Among my fashion finds from my recent trip to Milan was Italian label Aspesi, founded by Alberto Aspesi in 1961 in order to pursue an aesthetic of timeless basics.

The brand is focused on quality materials and craftsmanship; indeed a visit to their Via Montenapoleone boutique included my fingers grazing over the garments hanging from each rack, and it was evident that  their mantra is consistently fulfilled. Each collection involves elaborate research in order to find impeccable fabrics from which clothing may be crafted. Every season introduces reinterpretations of iconic designs, where materials will be slightly tweaked to mold in order that they might evolve with changing times.

Certainly the above description seems slightly unlike the usual Girl Loves Color fare. Classic basics don't often lend themselves to the style of my blog's features; they rarely contain color.

The Aspesi store sells a myriad of designs that fit the image instantly evoked by my initial words, but there are other offerings that I found much more fascinating.

True to the idea of quality material and craftsmanship, Aspesi hosts a multitude of racks filled with vividly printed clothing from the finest silks et al. Encompassing a distinct vintage vibe, these designs were from the Spring/Summer 2012 collection, but they fascinated me to the point where I knew the brand had to inspire a piece of content.

Despite the idea of basics, the Aspesi look is quite whimsical. It's a very different interpretation of a word that is essential to American fashion and practically synonymous with neutral tees, tanks and skinny jeans.

The store interiors itself speak to this image, as do shopping bags printed with a cartoon face in the shape of a heart. Other locations are decorated with colorful sculptures and vases of flowers inside minimalist concrete interiors.

While Aspesi offers a wonderful selection of neutral-toned basics (the outerwear designs are phenomenal), the bright solid hues are the stand-outs of the label. Prints played a huge role in S/S'12 and perhaps not so much in the upcoming collection, but it is these designs that showcase the versatility of the label as well as its enthusiasm for fun, creative pieces swollen with personality.

The window display at Aspesi's Milan boutique.

An emerald dress with an astro-turf texture greets shoppers at the door of the Milan boutique.

A display at another Aspesi boutique.
Photo via aspesi.com

Delightfully whimsical shopping bags.
Photo via aspesi.com

The following selections are from the Spring/Summer 2012 collection by Aspesi.

The following selections are from the Fall/Winter 2012 collection by Aspesi.

All clothing stills from aspesi.com

I brought home a printed silk blouse from the Aspesi Spring/Summer 2012 collection that epitomizes the whimsical prints that Aspesi has mastered for the collection that is unfortunately coming to a close. The colorful artistry exhibited by these designs drove me to instantly fall in love with the brand. Design combines with fine craftsmanship for an end result that could be identified as contemporary, avant-garde luxury pieces. But in an era where creativity is difficult to hunt down, it's well worth it.

Aspesi printed silk blouse, gold-plate necklace (just seen) by Poupette.

The Aspesi website can be found at aspesi.com, which also houses the label's extensive online shop.
Images not credited belong to Girl Loves Color.