Conversation-starting style, courtesy of Nina Ricci

Whether you identify as a minimalist or maximalist, it’s undeniable that fashion is the ultimate form of self-expression. However, for most of us – who fall somewhere in the middle – it’s not that cut and dried. We rightfully demand a lot from the clothes we wear; we want to feel comfortable and relaxed, yet also look polished and put together; we want pieces that excite us but are also wearable and work for all manner of occasions. It’s a rigorous checklist and, as a result, it can be tricky to find pieces that are up to scratch. Which explains our excitement by the latest collection of legendary French fashion house Nina Ricci. Bright, bold and absolutely beautiful, consider these exquisite pieces a sartorial breath of fresh air – with the power to overhaul your spring look.

This decidedly modern yet feminine aesthetic is the work of design duo Lisi Herrebrugh and Rushemy Botter, who have been at the helm of the illustrious label for a year and a half. Their exactitude and precision is a perfect fit for a brand that was the first choice of the Parisian elite from the moment it was founded in 1932. In fact, to achieve her distinctive and figure-flattering cuts, the label’s namesake draped directly on to mannequins, a testament to her commitment to craft and excellence in design. Herrebrugh and Botter bring the same level of devotion to their work, imbuing each and every piece with something of themselves. Their shared Caribbean and Dutch heritage informs their work in unexpected and complementary ways. The vivid colors, which have become the brand’s signature, recall sun-soaked days on tropical shores, while the clean lines and versatility of their creations speak to a more practical approach. This is cocktail wear, but not as you know it.

Take a seemingly simple white midi dress. It’s a classic piece that can be worn all year round – with cozy knits during the winter months and simple leather sandals during summer – and while it might not look like an impactful after-dark dress, with the addition of a detachable black bodice, it instantly transforms into a subtly subversive evening look. More than the sum of its parts, this striking monochrome two-piece gives an hourglass silhouette, offering effortless sophistication and a contemporary reinterpretation of Nina Ricci’s archives. Simply add this season’s must-have square-toed shoes and a pair of statement earrings for a timeless ensemble fit for any occasion, from a wedding to a black-tie ball.

Similarly clever is a mango-colored gown and crop top combination. The strapless, pleated dress is perfectly cut to the body and can be worn on its own for an easy yet elegant look – perfect for a destination wedding – or layered under the open-backed crop top for a more directional occasion outfit. The same fearless approach to cut and color is applied to the brand’s separates, too. Pairing lemon-yellow cocoon pants with a similarly voluminous blue blouse might sound daring, but in the deft hands of Herrebrugh and Botter, thanks to their faultless tailoring and luxurious fabrics, it looks effortless. An unequivocally chic look perfect for a dinner party with friends, this mood-enhancing ensemble is a sure-fire way to inject your new-season closet with a little joie de vivre.

It’s in the brand’s ability to marry tailoring with fluidity, sophistication with simplicity and wearability with wow factor that its true allure lies. Nina Ricci’s cutting-edge vision has created a new, empowering form of femininity, utterly fitting for a modern world.