Naomi Campbell walks for Del Core

German-born Milan-based designer Daniel Del Core launched his first all ready-to-wear collection, but he left room for one couture piece, modelled by Naomi Campbell.

Del Core, a Gucci alum who launched his brand during the pandemic, said he had been exchanging Instagram messages with the supermodel, when she said she wanted to wear his creations.

“I thought it was a joke,’’ Del Core said backstage. But there she was, closing the show in a white gown with a satin bustier and long skirt trailing.

The ready-to-wear collection was inspired by women scientists who in turn take inspiration from female writers, smart women who want to be smart dressers. Del Core created for her a translucent lab coat that was reinterpreted throughout the collection, paired with protective shoe coverings, and latex gloves in bubblegum pink or bright blue against an otherwise soft palette.

Evening wear had some couture touches, like pleating that framed the neckline and anchored draping sleeves. Del Core said he will break out couture with a presentation in Paris in January.