Alfred Hitchcock once likened Grace Kelly to “a frost-kissed volcano.” The iconic blonde, who transitioned from actress to princess, became the epitome of the hot Ice Queen archetype—poised on the surface, yet simmering with desire beneath. Alessandra Rich, drawn to this alluring paradox, teased with the interplay of propriety and mischief in her pre-fall collection.

Picture a modern-day Lolita exploring her chic mother’s wardrobe, the collection exuded a playful experimentation with adulthood. Evening gowns in deep black or rich red velvet exuded sophistication from the front, only to reveal a daring, backless allure; frilly lace bustiers coyly peeked from beneath striped cardigans paired with barely-there miniskirts; masculine, lamé tweed blazers casually draped over ’80s-style, turquoise satin dresses ready for the dance floor. As if sprinkled with stardust, oversized sporty denim blousons shimmered with a nocturnal glamour.

For Rich, being a designer means empowering women to unleash their inner seductresses, breaking free from layers of bourgeois restraint. Fashion, to her, is a key to liberation—a means to embrace one’s diverse facets. Whether it’s girls exuding the charm of worldly dames or mature women embracing their wild teenage spirit, Rich believes that in the realm of self-expression, there’s no room for stigma.