The Conquest of Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Alexandra the Great annexes the top floor of the Cristallo Palace Hotel, prompting Hans-Rudi to cancel a week's worth of ski lessons.

Counts Fico and Obomovski feign playing backgammon in the lobby. The grocer at the cooperativo has no more blood oranges for his regulars; you-know-who insists they make the best mimosas.

A black sweater-dress of this magnitude disrupts the order of things. It exposes less than nothing—a hint of calf, ten long fingers—yet the effect is a revelation. And notice how the springy merino wool holds its shape.

Alexandra understands all this, of course, as well as the wearability factor. Dark glasses and boots for daytime reconnaissance, add a few baubles for dinner and cause a stir.

World conquest is tricky business. Packing light and right is the first step.

Cortina Turtleneck Dress (No. 3024). Made of Italian merino wool, for the world's most sensuously-soft turtleneck. Raglan sleeves. Wide cuffs and long, below-knee wide ribbed sweep, slim and elegant. Wear with self-belt, wide belt, or no belt, dress up or down a bit.

Victory is at hand. Imported.

Women's sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL.

Color: Black or Merlot.