The Ermanno Scervino Fall 2018 collection ’s canvas was Scervino’s favorite dialogue between masculine and feminine elements.

The show’s opening look was an oversize striped alpaca sweater worn over a masculine camel coat. It was an unusual, interesting styling combination and it set the tone for a collection that seemed to mark a sort of more confident, modern direction. There were even sneakers on the catwalk, an absolute first here. Somehow, the designer managed to make them look seductive.

A good example was a city coat in royal blue and red mohair houndstooth worn over a lingerie-inspired organza slip dress-top trimmed in lace and paired with slouchy matching pants. Along the same lines, a masculine shirt in crisp poplin peeked from a glamorous fur collar trimming a lean double-cashmere coat, cinched at the waist. They made for persuasive propositions of charming elegance for the everyday.

Other masculine-feminine iterations included substantial hand-knit cashmere and alpaca sporty sweaters, glittering with Swarovski crystals, contrasting with fluffy silk tulle gowns; yet the collection’s pièce de résistance was a black brushed mohair tailored car coat paired with a simple black cashmere turtleneck topping a black organza evening skirt. All swirling, raw-edged ruffles, it looked modern and effortlessly gorgeous.

Watch the trepidation leading to the show as the models getting ready backstage, the guests taking their seats, every look owns the runway.