We all know the magic happens in New York, London and the smaller fashion weeks that act as launching pads for the fresh and the avant garde. And while change and innovation are essential to fashion and all creative pursuits, there’s just something about an old hand that brings timeless elegance to the table. Milan and Paris are just that; the primordial forces that drive world fashion, the roots that give everything else mandate to spring from the ground, stand tall, and go forth. This year, Milan was a veritable showcase of refined Italian glamour, with a hint of French Rivera.
Dolce & Gabbana was a brooding, Gothic collection full of lace, denim and nude bustiers that spilled over into a thorny garden of clashing florals. As always Dolce & Gabbana kept it sexy, but the fashion house’s signature ‘middle finger to the man’ attitude prevailed as their devil may care women strutted down the runway.
Fendi went for elegant Italian chic, laid back and yet startlingly expensive. Fendi’s women was set for picnics in Italian countryside wineries with her hot as hell photographer boyfriend and a philosophical tome or two to keep her company.
Francesco Scognamiglio was an indefinable mix of Riccardo Tisci’s rockstar chic and a Paris Voguette. The definite rock’n’roll element was cut through with dramatic proportions and colour play for a collection that bridged the gap between dirty glam and high fashion edge with charm and precision, making for my favourite collection of the Milan season.
Bringing the power-woman to the fore, Gucci exuded sleek determination and gutsy abandon. With 80s inspired, on trend shoulders, Gucci incorporated their own sexy twists with fitted jackets, short-shorts and lace up embellishments on tops, skirts and dresses. The iconic label added a youthful playfulness to the range with graphic prints and cheeky cut-outs.
Retro French femme found its way into Prada’s delightful poolside collection that saw models as early film stars in Hawaiian resorts. Metallic fabrics and cute, cropped tailoring led the put-together, easy chic of Prada’s summer range.