Italian powerhouses are going soft, formful and romantic with the catwalk’s dreamy ballet-inspired look taking over interiors, too. Here we unpack the trend with a landmark shoot that brings this look to life
The New Pretty
Photography Jake Curtis Art Direction and Interiors Stylist Hannah Franklin Fashion Stylist Sofia Lazzari Concept Sarah Spiteri Words Pip Rich
e’re calling this trend The New Pretty, as it’s a fresh and invigorating take on classic themes. Delicate tones, muted pastels and curved edges have been around before, but this contemporary iteration – where ruffles, sheers and movement combine with a dash of 90s modernism – creates an atmospheric, inviting and ethereal feel.
Coming straight from the world-leading brands in Italy and influencing decor as a whole, it speaks directly to the balletcore trend so perfected by many fashion houses for SS24 (particularly look at the Chanel Haute Couture show). And it’s an evolution of a mood we’ve seen coming for a while.
It started two years ago, when curved sofas became the most covertable piece of furniture I could imagine. They symbolised a sense of comfort, smartness, elegance. I could picture using them to entertain in a way that made guests feel like the best versions of themselves. Like they could put on a nice dress (be gone the joggers of 2020!) but also kick off their shoes and curl their feet up under them. That vibe has crept into all corners of design - from stylist Colin King’s deeply rich yet minimal New York apartment to Gwyneth Paltrow’s sundrenched Californian palazzo-style home. And now it has taken on a beguiling softness, too.
Top of page and above: Karl dining table, Paolo Moschino. Nepal chairs in White Mongolian wool, Baxter. Tilda chandelier, Arteriors. Lazybones lounge chair, Baxter at Silvera. Mercury vase by Holly Dawes at M.A.H
On model: Top and shoes, both Erdem. Trousers, Hellessy. Necklace, Studio Sphinx. Earrings, Ruddock
There is a floatiness to The New Pretty, a dreaminess that invites a wardrobe of both tulle and lace and big, swooshing skirts, and is why we wanted to combine fashion for this landmark Livingetc shoot. It just makes me want to glide, and to create a home where there is no friction or hardness, where everything feels, well, pretty. It’s a look that looks after you, in a way, rounding the edges of your soul, too.
Its tenets are pretty straightforward. Luscious, tactile textures such as wool and bouclé are added in a considered way to a color palette of buttery neutrals, warm white, chalky pinks and delicate blues. Patterns are abstract and dreamy instead of floral or graphic, while black accents and silver details prevent the look from becoming too saccharine. Seating is oversized - all the better for lying back on - plump and cushioned. You should want to touch everything in a room that is decorated this way, and it should make you feel held, safe, comforted and elevated.
This landmark Livingetc shoot celebrates how that translates to an interior space, from color and texture to shape and setting.
You should want to touch everything
in a room that is decorated this way,
and it should make you feel held,
Left image: Screen by The Dormy House, covered in Sanjana in Clay, Karanja collection by Pure Concept at Warwick Fabrics. Pad floor lamp in Antique Faux Gesso, Julian Chichester. Gathered lampshade in Cream Moire, Fermoie
On model: Top and trousers, both Huishan Zhang. Shoes, Malone Souliers. Earrings, Chanel at 4element
Right image: Le Club armchairs in S-Pelle Silk 10 Terracotta, Poliform. Dusk Original rug, KnotsRugs x Nat Maks. Twig console, Porta Romana. J’ai Fait Un Rêve Obscur painting by Ha Hoang-Lamy; Aheste vase 4 by Ayse Habibe Kucuk, both at M.A.H
On model: Dress, ByVarga. Shoes, Emma Hyacinth. Earrings, Ruddock, Côté Caché at Wolf & Badger
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Global Brand Director Sarah Spiteri / @Sarah Spiteri
VP of Creative Alexa Wiley / @awiley_creative
Executive Director, Entertainment Jessica Baker / @jbake21
Director of Production Samantha Rockman / @rockman_productions
Photography Shane McCauley / @shanemccauley
stylist Danielle Goldberg / @daniellegoldberg Hair Stylist Irinel de Leon @ Mane Addicts / @hairinel
Makeup Artist Dana Delaney @ The Wall Group / @dana-delane
Manicurist Natalie Minerva @ Forward Artists / @natalieminervanails
Set Designer Cecilio Dolcetto Lara Ramirez / @dolcetto
Director / DP James Ollard @ Amusement Productions / @amusementproductions.la
Camera Assistant Nate Cuboi / @natecueboi Sound Mixer Jason Flaster / @jasonflaster Video Editor Tony Brown
Camaleonda three-seater sofa; Camaleonda ottoman, both by Mario Bellini, B&B Italia. Dawn Original rug, Knots Rugs x Nat Maks. Cicladi tables, Edra. Seaweed platter by Flora Wallace at Wondering People. Orbit coffee tables, Poliform. Pompeii II vase, Anna Lea Tunesi. Pacha lounge chair, Gubi at Heal’s. Torii stool, Porada. Fontana console, Paolo Moschino. Mercury vase by Holly Dawes at M.A.H
On model: Dress and jacket, both Selezza London
Chair Shell #1, Nilufar Edition
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Kenneth Sideboard, Minotti
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Riva Vase, Claude Home
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Emperor Side Table, STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN
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Annaway Dining Table, Anthropologie
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Tufted Wool Rug, H&M Home
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Italian - and Italian-inspired - decor that embodies this key trend
Shop The New Pretty
both tulle and lace and big, swooshing skirts
a dreaminess that invites a wardrobe of
There is a floatiness to The New Pretty,
Paipaï loveseat in Varese velvet, Ligne Roset West End. Megève rug, Nörki at The Invisible Collection. Rialto console, Rimadesio. Quadraginta vase by Kelly Jessiman at M.A.H. Seaweed platter by Flora Wallace at Wondering People. Arbour chandelier, Martin Huxford
On model: Dress, The Vampire’s Wife. Shoes, Chylak. Earrings, Emma Holland Jewellery at Wolf & Badger
safe, comforted and elevated.
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