Milan Fashion Week: Spring/Summer 2012

Oh, isn't Milan Fashion Week such fun. There's already been big news this week, as Dolce & Gabbana will be merging their D&G line into their main collection, from next season. I'm sure this merge, will make the main line even stronger, we shall see what happens next season. Here's the first part of the shows from Milan so far: 

Prada

Miuccia Prada gives us iconic pieces season after season and the reason why I am a dedicated Pradette. Last summer, Prada gave us monkeys and bananas and they became the print of the season. For S/S 12, we have cars... believe it or not, and of course they work, and we all know they'll be all over the high street next year. Floral printed coats started the show, with pleated skirts and crop tops. The car theme began with the huge cars that show-goers sat on and the car park mood of the venue. Retro car prints started on pleated skirts and crop tops. They also featured on gorgeous leather pencil skirts and exhaust fumes looked spectacular on the pieces too. There was a bit of sparkle on some of the coats, and fifties swimsuits were also beautiful. The bags were equally delightful. 

Gucci

A fantastic collection from Frida Giannini, bringing a lovely dose of Italian glamour to start the week off.  Geometric art-deco shapes gave us a taste of the twenties theme. We've seen this decade at a few shows this season, which I'm very excited about as I am in love with that decade. Dropped waists featured on many of the dresses, another indicator of the twenties silhouette. There were equestrian touches here and there also, especially with the cutest horse motif. The make-up just screamed Gucci glam with the heavy smoky eye and the nude but glossy lip. 

MaxMara

A very sporty and minimal collection with a bit of gloss. Collarless coats started the show and graduated into jumpsuits and the occasional miniskirt. The silhouette was modern and form-fitting and the palette was quite nude and uniform with turquoise being used to introduce some colour. The models had faux dreadlocks, which were interesting. I felt at times that the collection became a bit repetitive in places and it could have pushed the boundaries a bit more, to make the collection more exciting. 

Moschino

As the show opened, I could tell that we were in for a collection of the reinvention of the House's signature details. The frogging on the cropped jackets, the hearts, the hats all common in a Moschino collection. There were flamenco ruffles and large floral prints, the print looked great on a maxi. The yellow in this collection worked really well, especially on the dresses. The wild west then came into the mix, with sandy nudes and fringing. 

D&G

As everyone bids arrivederci to D&G, their last collection took centre stage, and I loved it. Well, I'm a big fan of silk scarves, and usually wrap them around myself at home. You can create many looks doing this, as D&G showed us this season. Gorgeous printed scarves were wrapped and draped around the models in a multitude of looks. There were minis, handkerchief hems and playsuits. Gold coin jewellery added to the extravagant and very Hermes feel to the collection. It was an extravaganza of colourful and feminine fun and a great way to depart. 

Photo: www.catwalking.com

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Milan Fashion Week: Autumn/Winter 2011-12

I am feeling the Italian love right now, as you can see from above. Love. Love. Love. Apart from the fabulousity of me being on Vogue.it it's also Milan Fashion Week. So here are the first few shows of the week. I am ridiculously excited, Milan is always gorgeous... 

Alberta Ferretti

A collection of classic daywear in strong autumnal colours all paired with velvet thigh boots. The pieces then gave way to stunning evening wear with a spattering of sequins and embellishment. The tones used in the show were a highlight, especially the teal and the very marked evolution from day into night. 

Fendi

A collection for a lady appears to be put together but on closer inspection there is a carefree mood. The tights, which were the colour of autumn leaves were slightly baggy at the knees. Masculine shapes were feminised with a large ruffle. The fur made the collection even more special as did the working of the rich colours. 

D&G

This was just pure, unadulterated fun. Alphabet prints in monochrome burst into a rainbow of neon brights. The pieces included jumper dresses, trousers and sheer floaty dresses. The pieces were all shown with sneaker-wedges and socks. Body-conscious elements, such as 80s tubes were offset with oversized pieces. A t-shirt proclaimed "International Sexy Girl Here" and the finale featured alphabet tees and feather skirts. A predict a high-street-copying-riot. 

Gucci

I am loving Gucci at the moment. For S/S 11 the jewelled tones were breathtaking and this season I am equally as impressed. Frida Giannini cited Florence Welch as one of her inspirations, which is quite possibly why I am lusting after every piece. Fedora hats and fur with touches of exotic skins all added to the seventies glamour. The jumpsuits, the colours, the sheerness, all hinted at a nostalgic elegance. Of course, the looks were good old-fashioned sexy with the thigh splits and dresses seductively tied at the neck. <3

Prada

Exotic skins were seen here again, in the form of boots and cocoon coats. Low-slung belts were worn over coat dresses which introduced a new silhouette and a move away from the hourglass. Fur collars were seen amongst the python as were large mermaid-esque sequins. I'm still feeling unsure about the collection to be honest. However, I adored the distinct girlishness of it all and the bag that was held as a clutch. Hmmm... 

Maxmara

Futuristic, feminine and winter-chic. Knit dresses were cinched at the waist with a high neck. Jackets and coats were given a welcome finishing touch with a fur side panel. A grey bandeau dress was teamed with a fur snood and checked blanket dresses and coats were the ultimate in glamorous comfort. This collection has given me a renewed appreciation for leggings. The exposed skin in some places was balanced with the sheer warmth of the cosier looks. <3 

Moschino

A masculine and military collection interspersed with feminine dresses and skirt suits. The masculinity came via double-breasted jackets, uniform insignia, tailored trousers and tuxedos with cummerbund here and there. The dresses were fitted with bountiful ruffles and long gloves. I loved the gold detail seen in the military pieces and also in the lame looks which were seen with navy jumpers. The rose print was a surprise and the size of the print ensured that it fit in well with the rest of the collection.

Photos: www.vogue.it

www.catwalking.com 

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Milan Fashion Week: Spring/Summer 2011: Update

Paris beckons, as the last week of S/S 11 shows gets underway. So, I give you the final update from some of the shows in Milano...

Bottega Veneta

Utilitarian elegance sums up this collection. The uniform for the urban woman about town. There was an air of ease and effortless sophistication. Soft and slouchy pieces with a sporty feel. The palette was quite dark, but the shapes enhanced the summer mood. Luxurious yet easy-going, what more could you want. 

Emporio Armani

This collection introduced us to the 'Fancy Girl', and wasn't she just. What a wonderful display of colour, texture and shape. Each look had a sense of light femininity about it. The looks varied but had the same mood running throughout. I loved the sheer, ruched 3/4 leggings and sheer tube skirts layered to cover one's modesty. But, what I love loved was the geometric jewellery and the bags... gorgeous. 

Blumarine

Lashings of gold jewellery and leopard prints in a variety of brights. No, this is not saturday morning at Argos, this is Milan. Turquoise, pink, brown all underwent the leopard print makeover. There were flared trousers, mini dresses with sleeves in another colour and did I mention gold jewellery? The biker jackets were cute especially in the orange. Coffee toned, ruched dresses minus the print were as demure as it was going to get. Then came the billowing kaftan dresses. It was such a fun collection, some of the pieces were very wearable. If turquoise, leopard print, flared trousers are your thing, who am I to judge. 

Jil Sander

Oversized and seemingly shapeless skirts, fell to the ground in their neon tones. Paired with the simplest of white tees to further enhance the drama and colour of the skirts. Yellow, pink, green, blue and orange lit up the collection and added to the explosion of colour and shape. This has to be one of my favourite collections of the season. A huge, blossoming, floral print dress in vivid neons looked gorgeous. A key look for me was the pink and white striped skirt with a black and sheer panelling vest. Raf Simons is a genius and I am in love. 

Emilio Pucci 

I'm sure Pucci can bring out the hippy/glamazon in anyone. This time there were a few cowgirl inspirations, in the form of tassels, jackets and thigh high boots. Chiffon dresses swept the floor with the signature Pucci prints. I liked the blue minidress with the subtle print. Not so much in love with this collection. But it did bring a lot of glamour. 

Versace

Coloured stripes on a white canvas of body-conscious dresses. Glamourous fringing, geometric prints and sensual stripes. A well put together and just lovely collection from Versace. I loved the use of colour and the sensuality of the form-fitting pieces. The prints proved to be a good counterpart to the rest of the collection. Some dresses came in a longer-than-usual-Versace length which looked great. 

Dolce & Gabbana

I look forward to Dolce & Gabbana every season and this one was beautiful. Their signature sex appeal was combined with tradition to create a strong and sensual collection. The primarily white collection, used delicate white lace in many guises. Touches of lingerie were sexy and worked well with the more traditional looks. Grown up florals and leopard print also played their role. This was a romantic collection and showed why we all love Dolce and Gabbana so much. 

Roberto Cavalli

Cavalli collections always promise drama and good old fabulosity. So, it came as no surprise that this show had both. Models strutted down the catwalk like survivors in their disheveled and torn pieces. Slashed snakeskin, endless tassles and fringing, told their story. Whatever they had just endured, they looked all the better for it. 

Photos: www.catwalking.com 

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Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: So far...

As we wave arrivederci to London, Milan has kicked off. I wish I was typing this from a hotel room in Milan, but no, I am at home... in East London. Never mind, the delightful Internet has soothed my woes and sent me what's been occurring in Milano.

Gucci

Rich jewel tones in orange, purple and turquoise were combined to create the ultimate sophistication. The sprinkling of gold accessories were the perfect additions. The colour then faded into stunning nudes, where the jumpsuits and bandeaus had a tribal edge. Everyone wants to be a Gucci woman next season. 

Alberta Ferretti

When I was a little girl I wanted to be a fairy when I grew up. Now, I would like to be a Ferretti Fairy. The stunning array of romantic dresses, mostly floor-length was the stuff of fairytales. The forestry inspirations were beautifully done. It makes me want to go to deserted woodlands and play with flowers.

 

D&G 

Florals adorned the looks at D&G. Models wore checked handkerchiefs in their hair, and this complemented the florals well. Crops tops had a tinge of peasantry and the long skirts looked all the more prettier in the gorgeous prints. I love, love, loved the snow white vest.

Fendi

Mr Lagerfeld showed us a sophisticated summer, which was floaty, light and subtly coloured. The opening white dresses were the ultimate summer dress, the burnt paper effect made them even more special. Ladylike shirt-dresses and high waisted skirts also featured in the proceedings. Loose, sexy and a rather happy collection. 

Prada

Miuccia Prada knows how to optimism. I laughed and smiled my way through this collection. It was most definitely a mood lifter. The collection started with skirts and oversized tops in bold oranges, blues and greens. They had a distinct uniform feel to them, minus the colour. Then we had the stripes, bright and beautiful especially with the swirly print. The prints were great, in particular the bananas. Yes, Miuccia had a banana print. It worked, the whole collection worked and it was fabulous... the way only Prada could. 

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Milan Fashion Week S/S 10: Just Cavalli

I loved the humour in this show, I'm not sure if this was intentional or not but I thought the slogan t-shirts were hilarious, I love a bit of shameless vanity in the collection and the slogan t-shirts provided this. I can just imagine them being a hit already. 'Bobby', 'I've been touched by Cavalli', 'I love JC' and 'It's just Cavalli' all popped out along the catwalk. In the end I realised I was actually anticipating what the next slogan would say. Oh dear, lets move on. I really liked the whole good girl, gone bad theme of the collection with sheer and floaty dresses with lingerie peeping out from underneath. Then the sheer dresses were worn overy t-shirts. The collection got a lot grungier after this and had that rock-chick appeal to it as if the Cavalli was a rock-star and the models were his fans. Some of the pieces were quite distresses with ripping and holes in jumpers, sequins and fringing added an extra dimension to the collection. I can't believe I'm saying this, me who dislikes designer emblazoned t-shirts but I think I want one.

Photo: www.catwalking.com

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Milan Fashion Week S/S 10: Prada

Miuccia Prada has always been one of my favourite designers, so I was anticipating this show as well as Miu Miu. This collection excited me throughout and had some very inspirational pieces. The slate almost metallic greys were a bold and strong colour and were excellently tailored, these were reworked as they were cut in the shorts and jackets. This had a good effect as they were just starting to fray but looked clean as if they were cut moments before coming on to the catwalk. The shorts looked like smart, tailored trousers that had been cut to create city shorts. The models pouting, red lips and bed-head pigtails added some fun and subtle sexiness to the show. I loved the criss-crossed tops which sparkled. The floral prints in the dresses and coats had an almost digital effect as did the amazing tropical prints. The tropical prints were the highlight of the show for me as they looked like holiday pictures and while they did include the stereotypical beach, clouds and palm tree scene, I loved that you could see people sunbathing and it was literally like peeping into an unblemished postcard. There might not have been a bright or summery colour palette used in the collection but I was definately reminiscing about Summer after seeing those prints.

Photo: www.catwalking.com

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Milan Fashion Week: Moschino Cheap & Chic

Moschino Cheap & Chic showed the epitome of a fun and stylish Spring show. Sleeveless white shirts, ruffled black minidresses and the cutest sunflower sunglasses came along first. Oh and how could I forget the 'Amore' necklace, a must have. A pink one shoulder dress in the most beautiful embroidery followed which was the essential summer dress. I also loved the slogans such as the 'Shocking' t-shirt dress and 'Peace' sheer t-shirt. A few maxi dresses also graced the catwalk in large floral prints, the white blazer dress with heart printed belt was effortless and chic. The multi-coloured princess coat was quirky and adorable as was the heart motif on the white dress. A quirky, fun, chic and girly collection... I loved it.

Photo: www.catwalking.com

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Milan Fashion Week S/S 2010: D&G

Cowgirls came one after the other in this great collection by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. The denim and leather collection wasn't just the typical cowboy inspired show but the theme was made more feminine and very sexy. The denim was distressed, bleached and ripped and included high waisted shorts, barely there ruffled skirts and fitted shirts. Brown leathers came in buckled belts, bustier dresses and trimmed around denim corsets. Embroidery also featured in white and softened the looks. My favourite pieces were the floor length ruffled denim skirt, white ruched body-con dress and distressed denim corset dress. The printed tees with cowboy hats, 'rodeo' and minnie and mickey mouse added some fun and humour. All in all another hit from D&G.

Photo: www.catwalking.com

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Milan Fashion Week Spring 2010: Giorgio Armani

This collection showed that Giorgio Armani has definately recovered from his illness earlier this year. The collection was a step away from his usual classic pieces and into pieces that were fun and sophisticated. The collection started off with a houndstooth blazer in red, white and black which was a good reinvention. There were quite a lot of exceptional jackets on show which were fitted and structured and some with exaggerated shoulders. There were puffball skirts, loose trousers and one shoulder dresses, I loved the pink one. The cocktail dresses were stunning and added sparkle and colour. A great start to Milan.

Photo: www.catwalking.com

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