After the cutting-edge collections seen at London Fashion Week, it was onto elegant Milan for the fashion elite. Outside topless protestors campaigned but indoors the drama was on the catwalk. Front rows were filled with celebrities including Zombie Boy, Monica Bellucci and Pixie Lott. A renaissance mood characterised most collections, as designers evoked a dark romance typified by fashion’s It Girl of the moment Rooney Mara. A key trend was layering, and most collections had a tougher, more protective look for the modern fashionista.
The high octane glamour which typified Milan Fashion Week commenced with a show-stopping collection by Gucci. Models gracefully swanned down the catwalk in flowing gowns, crushed velvet and feathers all perfect for red-carpet glamour. The gothic mood in elegant silhouettes continued at Versace as a profusion of crucifixes, chainmail and corsets appeared. The highlight of the week was Dolce and Gabbana’s abundance of gold bullion and black lace. Feminine dresses channelled Domenico’s native Sicily as cherub and floral prints added a playful twist to the collection.
Prada made a powerful statement with masculine tailoring in geometric prints which was matched by heavy eye-makeup. Georgio Armani’s Easy Chic collection also showcased tailoring but with a feminine touch topped off by stylish Bermuda hats. A wide variety of animal pelts and furs were at Fendi and it was an emotional farewell to Raf Simons who announced it was his last collection at Jil Sander.
As Roberto Cavalli strolled across the catwalk with his German shepherd Lupo, alongside a tiger pattern made out of 40,000 petals, the audience knew that they would be treated to an opulent show. Cavalli did not disappoint the eager audience as he showed an excessively luxurious collection with an exquisite blend of animal prints. Naomi Campbell closing the show in a gravity-defying sequined dress was the perfect end to a fabulous week in Milan and an exciting precursor to the fashion pack’s next stop at Paris Fashion Week.
Babette Radclyffe-Thomas
Babette Radclyffe-Thomas 