Dressing on the sale doesn’t mean having to make do with clothes that are uninteresting or even mediocre. When there is an extensive choice, only a cursory glance, and items characterised by a certain formal complexity, it is inevitable that you could overlook the wearability, as well as the possible and many combinations that transform them.

A multi-brand store can become distracting and require an effort to envisage items that have little similarity. How to combine a t-shirt? And that skirt or those pants, what can I wear with them? These are all typical and recurring questions.

But the flexibility offered by an eye that is trained to mix colours and volumes could prove an invaluable help in building up your personal style, and without any exaggeration, your totally unique style.

One only has to think of certain horrific combinations in collections that were circulating during the winter months, gaining unconditional success, like the one from Comme des Garçons, for example?

So then, if you on the other hand feel the need for harmony even in the asymmetrical and unconventional proportions of a so-called radical fashion design, follow the suggestions worn and put together by our expert tutor Sari! Trying out, combining, putting together and understanding what works for us is just a question of practise!

Y’s Yohji Yamamoto chunky knit wool cape, wide shape, safety pin fastening, drawstring gathered hem detail at front, turn up to down wearable with shorter length effect

Pleats Please pleated polyester leggings, elasticated waistband, past calf length

Trippen classic lace-up bootee in calf leather

Rick Owens knit super kid mohair and silk cropped sweater, ribbed polo neck, high ribbed fitted hem band, long sleeves with long ribbed design, dropped shoulder

Rick Owens fine lambskin jacket with high waist leather drawstring, small funnel neck, concealed buttons fastening, two slit pockets, long raglan sleeves with wool ribbed detail, light padded cotton lining, interior pockets with button

Junya Watanabe balloon skirt pant, featuring a pleated slightly longer front with concealed zip fastening, in wool twill

Trippen classic lace-up bootee in calf leather

Yesey rabbit felt velour cloche hat with asymmetric brim

Sacai Luck cashmere knit top, featuring a crew neck with a rear slash with a rhinestone decorated ribbon closure, long sleeve with gathered cuff, ribbed hem

Junya Watanabe balloon skirt pant, featuring a pleated slightly longer front with concealed zip fastening, in wool twill

Trippen classic lace-up bootee in calf leather

Yesey man style floppy hat in boiled wool jersey with handmade embroidery edges

Yohji Yamamoto chunky sweater in knit wool ribbed design, amphora shape, round neck, long sleeves with cuffs, contrasting stitch detail to the sides, neck and cuffs, ribbed hem

Rick Owens creased salt and pepper wool cropped trousers, straight leg, waistband with belt loops and button fastening, side slanted pockets, two welt pockets with button at rear, full lining

Trippen classic lace-up bootee in calf leather

Yesey man style floppy hat in boiled wool jersey with handmade embroidery edges

Luisa Brini Maya calendar printed shawl in modal and wool mélange, fringed edges

Haat long cardigan knit in wool and angora blend with handmade patch of mix Maya pattern, shawl collar, long sleeves, inside ribbons knot fastening, turn up to down wearable with shorter effect

Y’s Yohji Yamamoto wide jodhpurs trousers in treated brushed finish flax, waistband with belt loops, front darts, – slanted pockets, side zip fastening, dropped crotch

Trippen classic lace-up bootee in calf leather

Luisa Brini American flag elements printed shawl in wool mélange, fringed edges

Sacai wool knit ribbed cardigan with hem frills, v neck, button fastening, long sleeves, frills in layers of bias cut cupro satin and pinstriped wool

Y’s Yohji Yamamoto jogging-type pants with pouch-like pockets and knitted bottom; with parts in knitted wool, polyamide and cashmere, and others in silk material.

Trippen classic lace-up bootee in calf leather

Scha soft wool mohair beret with elasticated hem band

Rick Owens knit super kid mohair and silk long fitted sweater, ribbed polo neck, long ribbed hem, dropped shoulder, long ribbed sleeves

Y’s Yohji Yamamoto jogging-type pants with pouch-like pockets and knitted bottom; with parts in knitted wool, polyamide and cashmere, and others in silk material.

Trippen classic lace-up bootee in calf leather

Scha soft featherlight hat with medium brimmed roll up edge in finest fur felt

Junya Watanabe short coat in wool serge stripe, man style jacket with attached panel trousers like effect, fitted shape, wide notched lapels, single breast button fastening, chest welt pocket, side patch pockets, long sleeves with buttoned cuffs, exposed seam details

Junya Watanabe classic sheath dress in mottled wool check with flower pattern devoré velvet sleeves, shaped fit, roundneck, external darts details, long sleeves with buttoned cuffs gathered at the shoulder, zip fastening and vent at rear, above knee length

Trippen classic lace-up bootee in calf leather

Scha soft wool mohair beret with elasticated hem band

Undercover-Jun Takahashi shirt jacket in cropped rabbit fur, featuring a shirt collar, concealed button fastening, long sleeves with cuffs, full lined

Junya Watanabe classic sheath dress in wool herringbone stripe, shaped fit, round neck, sleeveless, waist cut, external darts details, zip fastening and vent at rear, above knee length

Trippen classic lace-up bootee in calf leather

Yesey wool felt hat with pleats detail and turned up brim

Daniela Gregis man style jacket in washed wool and silk jacquard lozenge pattern, shape fit, single breasted, three cotton cuff links fastening, one in contrast tone, side patch pockets with slits, loops function, for different fabric and tone belt, unlined

Junya Watanabe classic sheath dress in wool herringbone stripe, shaped fit, round neck, sleeveless, waist cut, external darts details, zip fastening and vent at rear, above knee length

Trippen classic lace-up bootee in calf leather

This title serves as a perfect introduction to the meeting between the shots taken by the young photographer from Padua, Giulia Magnaguagno, and the offerings for autumn from the store IVO MILAN.

The concept of ‘outside the neighbourhood’ refers to the external perspective, and from certain viewpoints, also refers to being outside the boutique in Padua, which usually shows its range inside the spaces that have now become familiar to public online.

But it is also an indication of the subject around which Giulia shoots her photographs, in other words, a journey. With the focus centred increasingly on the strong scenic and aesthetic presence of the female form, the dimension that moves is suggested by minimal touches: luggage, roads and changing backgrounds. The elsewhere is intentionally presented and is based on the models themselves. They interpret the clothing designed in different places and cultures, immortalised in set contexts; which are easily recognisable for anyone that knows Padua … from the historic centre, the famous university observatory of Galileo Galilei in the vicinity of Specola, on the Ponte Molino and Ponte di Ferro bridges, to the countryside surrounding the town centre.

Go to the contemporary art gallery site Spazio Anna Breda in Padua, to learn more about the talent and biography of Giulia Magnaguagno.

Set 1, in the countryside surrounding Padua, starting from the left, the girls are wearing:

Haat garment, knitted stripes overlaid with cotton, polyester and alpaca

Yesey hat, in mat wool jersey

Daniela Gregis shirt, printed Liberty design cotton shirt

Daniela Gregis pants, in washed cotton with a micro-check design, and natural leather belt

“Archive” short Trippen boots, in soft elk leather

Set 2, on Ponte Molino, starting from the left:

Y’s Yohji Yamamoto top, asymmetrical, in cotton and angora jersey, with satin applications at the bottom and on the cuff

Y’s Yohji Yamamoto scarf, with two woollen Scotch plaid panels

Yohji Yamamoto pants, in wool viyella jersey

“Archive” short Trippen boots, in soft elk leather

Sacai garment, cotton jersey cardigan shirt with attached wool cardigan

Bao Bao Issey Miyake shoulder bag, in origami PVC triangular panels

Short Trippen boots, in vintage cowhide leather

Set 3, on Ponte di Ferro, starting from the left:

Forme d’Expression jacket, in crushed wool with a dotted print giving the effect of ‘corrosion’

Asymmetrical Forme d’Expression t-shirt, in a Prince of Wales wool and cotton knit

Rick Owens pants, in brush-back crushed wool flannel

Marsèll “goccia” ankle boots, in leather, and part of the heel in white rubber

Y’s Yohji Yamamoto jacket, in heavy “weave” type drape in wool and polyamide with unfinished edging

Junya Watanabe, bermuda garment with high waist and braces, in soft virgin wool

hat with broad ‘Hamish’ brim, Comme des Garçons-Comme des Garçons, in stiff woollen felt

boot in treated cowhide leather, with rubber under sole and heel in bubble rubber, Marsèll “goccia”

Set 4, narrow street near Specola, the Galilelo Galilei observatory, starting from the left:

Rick Owens caban, in wool, silk and cupro fabric

Rick Owens garment, in viscose and acrylic caddis

“Archive” short Martin Margiela boots

long Yohji Yamamoto stole, in felt wool combined with wool gauze

Rick Owens pants, in brush-back flannel of crushed wool

Triangular shoulder bag, Jaana Parkkila, in sheepskin and Nickel-free metal cord (soon available in the catalogue under code 20814)

Marsèll “goccia” ankle boots, in leather, and part of the heel in white rubber

Because most of the shooting was done entirely in public places, the footwear worn by the models was kindly lent by Sari. Most of the footwear is still available in the IVO MILAN catalogue.

The staff, in order of appearance: Sari stylist, Anna make-up artist, Annachiara assistant photographer, Irina and Giulia models; Giulia photographer

In the sun-drenched, baking courtyard just outside our Padua shop, among pastel walls and porticos, the colours of an ongoing summer season blend together. Clothes, hats, bags and shoes, all suitable for sultry weather without giving up your grace and originality.

Follow Sari‘s proposals and find out how to wear design clothes and be really feminine …even on sale!

Cauliflower Issey Miyake washed cotton dress, printed with graphic design, featuring a gathered bodice, wide round neck with drawstring, just above knee length, sleeveless, relaxed fit

Trippen thong sandal with doubled soft elk leather straps, ankle strap with velcro fastening, padded footbed

Scha hat in twisted seagrass

Y’s Yohji Yamamoto dress in heavy cotton gauze with shaped bodice and flare skirt, double wrapped straps, side zip fastening, curved hem, calf length shorter at side

Scha hat in double sinamay and cotton

Y’s Yohji Yamamoto hobo bag in treated calf leather, snap fastening, interior pockets, one with zip, fully lined

Marsèll “goccia” treated kangaroo leather lace-up style shoes, open toe, no lace, contrast tone rubber heel

Sacai dress with cotton jersey top and broderie anglaise skirt, low round neck with satin trim, short sleeves, drop drawstring waist and gathered skirt, side pockets, relaxed fit, light grey/white colour

Scha gold coated linen beret, knit cotton edge and lining

Peter Non sabot, Birkenstock style sole, broderie anglais cotton upper, suede lace

Rick Owens light jersey dress in double layer, low round neck, shoulder straps, gathered at the front and back, side slit pockets, self tie belt, knee length

Lgr Lunettes woman’s sun-glasses with shaded grey photochromatic lenses; frame in flexible acetate by Mazzucchelli and lenses by Barberini.

Issey Miyake lengthened pumpkin shape flexible bag in polyester satin with glass coating leather details and shoulder strap, drawstring and magnetic fastener, interior zipped pocket, full lining

Trippen flat wooden platform sandal, single strap across the toes and an ankle strap with rivet and holes closure, calf leather

Pleats Please Issey Miyake pleated jersey dress with stripe design undertone at the back, low round neck, sleeveless, just above knee length

Lgr Lunettes sun-glasses in the style of Onassis with frame in flexible acetate by Mazzucchelli and shaded photochromatic lenses by Barberini ideal for drivers.

Trippen flat wooden platform sandal, single strap across the toes and an ankle strap with rivet and holes closure, calf leather

Cosmic Wonder flowers print patch cotton dress, square neckline with gathered detail, spaghetti straps, elasticated band at rear, calf length

Scha hat in twisted seagrass

Trippen ankle high sandal with cut out design in calf leather, open toes, buckle fastening, rubber sole

Junya Watanabe lace tunic dress with floral embroidery design, boat neck with centre slash, cropped shoulder with side lace panel gathered on the shoulder falling to the hem at the front and back

Scha boater style hat in parasisal vintage, tight- brimmed, limited edition

Trippen flat wooden platform sandal, single strap across the toes and an ankle strap with rivet and holes closure, calf leather

The bitter cold of recent days might just be an excellent opportunity to stock up on exceptional winter clothing items. Prices are not only discounted but, until 9:00 am Tuesday, February 14, shipping is free! Here is a titillating selection from the Padua store…

Junya Watanabe outfit…imitation fox fur cropped coat, and side draped knit dress

Chanel style wool jacket by Sacai and lace-up Comme des Garçons shoe

Pleats Please Outfit:  pleated hooded waistcoat and pleatet imitation flannel jacket

Artistic graffiti shoes, by Marsell “goccia”

Accessories…

Hats…

…and then, Sari, the photographer!

The title chosen for the Pleats Please winter collection is a tribute to the work of the most prominent Mexican architect, Luis Barragàn.

Abstract shapes and lively multicoloured designs on bags, trousers, dresses and sweaters strongly recall that lush and surreal Mexico interpreted by the architecture of the master from Jalisco. The vast wall surfaces painted with bright colors, often crossed by unexpected cracks that offer glimpses of fountains of crystal clear water, are echoed by Issey Miyake’s most famous pleats.

The designer has always personally designed Pleats Please, a range which has always been the subject of his most joyous fantasies. Every season it is devolped by following a guiding theme. If, in the past, the most representative paintings of the Italian Renaissance embraced the entire silhouette in the form of dresses and t-shirts, now the inspiration is clearly Barragàn’s Mexico.

The deep pink of flourishing tropical bougainvillea, the yellow gold of the earth and the bright local houses, or the crisp blue of the cloudless sky and the sparkling blue of the clear waters, dissolve in the volumes of clothing and accessories in high-tech textiles.

In fact, each garment is initially cut and sewn on flat fabric, it is only later, thanks to the extremely advanced techniques that have been patented by the well-known Japanese Maison, that it undergoes the pleating process. In addition to allowing extreme volumetric plasticity, this unique pleating remains intact over time. It is so practical that it can be machine washed and transported anywhere, as it always keeps its shape.

A timeless, poetic product, Pleats Please gives its best when mixed with other suppliers, by completing them with surprising harmony.

Below, a sequence of outfits, from the Ivo Milan‘s shop, worn by Sari and Elena.

First outfit: ‘blue/grey’ hat Nafi; ‘musk green’ overcoat and ‘olive’ scarf Volga Volga; ‘blue pink’ t-shirt Cauliflower; ‘cornflower’ skirt Pleats Please; ‘black’ boot Trippen

Second outfit: ‘orange’ padded hooded gilet Pleats Please; ‘musk green’ overcoat Volga Volga; ‘blue pink’ t-shirt Cauliflower; ‘cornflower’ skirt Pleats Please; ‘black’ boot Trippen

Third outfit: ‘beige’ hat Scha; ‘blue’ asymmetric sweater Oyuna; ‘beige’ pants Pleats Please; ‘black/white’ Marsèll “goccia”

Fourth outfit: ‘light grey’ sweater Cosmic Wonder; ‘beige’ pants Pleats Please; ‘black/white’ boot Marsèll “goccia”

Fifth outfit: ‘black’ hat Nafi; ‘cornflower’ cardigan and ‘black/nut’ scarf Daniela Gregis; ‘beige’ pants Pleats Please; ‘black/white’ boot Marsèll “goccia”

Sixth outfit: ‘burgundy’ hat Scha; ‘black’ blouson Sacai; ‘chestnut’ pants Pleats Please; ‘burgundy’ boot Trippen

Seventh outfit: ‘navy’ hat Scha; ‘indigo’ jacket Junya Watanabe; ‘green’ scarf Cauliflower; ‘multicolor’ pants Pleats Please; ‘blue’ boot Trippen

From Paris showroom, Pleats Please-Issey Miyake F/W 2011-2012, order of Ivo Milan

Whilst the so-called Japanese school is more inclined to look at the artistic potential of clothing, Chitose brings it back to its original function of items that must adapt and be compatible with the various needs of everyday life. This absolutely concrete and practical dimension underlines the spaces and times of our social life and tries to find a solution for different circumstances. For this purpose, Chitose employs the classic formal schemes of ordinary, mainly Western clothing, but does not renounce the process of dividing it up and putting it back together, by applying the poetic delicacy that he acquired in his work environment.

In this original mixture of East and West, sheath dresses can be found, along with trench coats, blazers and also an explicit tribute to Chanel, that at the same time is a celebration of an eternal feminine, of an original elegance.

Without being trapped by boring and regular monotony, Sacai breaks the rhythm by introducing carefully chosen devices that systematically betray what our eyes were expecting: rough juxtapositions of fabrics; simple points of junctions between different prints and materials; unexpected gatherings or layers that are camouflaged by the apparent predictability of the forms.

In the delicate balance between innovation and repetition, what prevails is an impeccable, refined and essential female silhouette.