Time To Review Milan, Yes?

With Milan Fashion Week comes that bittersweet sensation that Fashion Month is about to come to an end. It is the third of the four fashion capitals and thus, it is with slight sadness that we part ways and enter our final city. Before we do so, I'd like to reflect on the magic that took place in Milan this past week. Let me begin by saying that I may be tearing up as I write this report, but Milan brought joy and happiness to my heart with every runway show. This season, it was all about loud retro prints, some romantic cuts, and a heck of a lot of colour. We saw an array of mixed prints at Emilio Pucci and Salvatore Ferragamo to make us feel like we were on drugs. The rock n' roll glamour at N21 and Roberto Cavalli also happened to have this affect. And how about those retro cuts and geometric shapes at Prada and Gucci for the quirky girl in all of us? There was something for everyone at Milan Fashion Week and though each collection showcased something different, they all shared one common feeling: vivacity. If there's anything one can learn from Milan, it's how to embrace life, and in this case, fashion is what breathed life into all of us. Now, let's take a look at some of the collections that brought me to life this week.

ETRO

There may be a reason the word "Etro" is in "Retro". Just saying. This collection featured an array of 90s inspired looks featuring edgy leather biker jackets topped over slinky black lace dresses. Another 90s trend that made an appearance? The sheer floral dress at the floor-length or cut right at the ankle. There were prints galore aside from the traditional floral, including an oversized plaid coat, some heavy striped sweaters, and brocade. Essentially, if you aren't into prints, this collection probably isn't for you. Veronica Etro's ability to combine the heavy with the light when it comes to her fabrics is a skill on its own that requires a rule breaker attitude mixed with some artistic inclinations (or maybe they're one in the same). A few notable accessories? Some knitted berets and long scarves that dragged onto the ground like an afterthought that worked out way too well.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 34

via vogue.com

VERSACE

Something felt different this year at Versace. Usually it feels a little too sexy for me with slits to the upper thigh and deep Vs that scream wardrobe malfunction. While the overall sex appeal of the Versace brand was still present, something about this collection it felt more real. Allow me to explain. From the moment Gigi Hadid walked down the runway in an oversized navy coat and NOT a bodycon dress, I knew something was up at Versace (despite her endless legs). The first few looks remained in the navy and black tones with cinched waists and highly conservative cuts. The collection then took a strange turn with a much more athleisure approach. Models strutted down the catwalk in striped crop tops, gloves that looked like knee-high soccer socks, and fitted dresses with very obvious sportswear influences in baby blues and corals. Donatella then took us into a world filled with bright colours such as yellow and red while keeping a conservative approach with her shapes and hemlines. At the very end, the designer brought back a few microminis to keep us on our toes and remind us that she is the queen of sexy. It was just enough for it to still feel like Versace, but with a slightly fresher view.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 17

via vogue.com

GIAMBA

It wouldn't be a review of Milan without a look at Giambattista Valli's Giamba collection (a recurring one on my blog). My obsession with this collection raises concerns and tugs at my heart strings simultaneously. It is filled with youthful touches like frills and flared hems, but with rebellious/Lolita undertones. It's about the good girl gone bad who consciously wears black underwear underneath her frilly white lace and black platform boots with a polka-dotted dress. Let's not get things twisted here. This was definitely NOT a collection made for little girls, though some might be drawn to it. It's for women who yearn for the 80s, when sensuality and punk rock were one in the same and romance was infused with darkness. I can imagine this girl hopping on a motorcycle with her rockstar boyfriend in a frilly dress of course. The designer combined high hemlines with higher necklines and longer skirts with deep Vs to keep every look feeling sexy, but slightly angelic. This girl is giving everyone a wink as she unties her bow to reveal a black choker and a heart-shaped tattoo.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 9

via vogue.com

EMPORIO ARMANI

Speaking of the 80s, we must address Armani's Emporio Armani collection filled with pops of colour and geometric shapes. While Armani may be known for more sophisticated cuts suitable for your average business woman, this year he had a little fun playing with colours, cuts, and prints. Some of the colours spotted at the show included candy cane pink and kelly green, with splashes of yellow and blue on a variety of printed dresses and flirty mini skirts. It felt like a modern art gallery, while still paying tribute to the 80s nostalgia that dominated the runways with high-waisted wide-leg pants (RIP skinny jean) and classic blazers in a variety of lengths. It was fun, with a hint of sophistication, a combination only Armani could pull off. 

FAVOURITE LOOK: 36

via vogue.com

 PHILOSOPHY DI LORENZO SERAFINI

Sarafini's latest collection was a cross between the 80s and the early 1800s with frilly necklines and many high-waisted pants. Nothing catches my eye quite like a high-waisted pant and some very pretty bows to tie it all together. If I could, I'd take you through every look in this collection because each one made my heart skip a few beats (in the romantic and cliche way as it should). While this collection featured many youthful ensembles (much like Giamba), it possessed even more feminine qualities like black lace overlays and layers of dramatic frills fit for a judge from the early 20th century, but also, a lady. The designer entered the realm of colour by choosing unlikely combos like baby blue and red in a mix of black and white boudoir-inspired outfits. It was edgy, romantic, and youthful without slipping into kinky territory. For the girl who's constantly being called cute and dreams of looking sexy, this collection is calling your name.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 36

via vogue.com

Which collection did you love at Milan this year?

Ponder it,

Bella

Don't You Wish You Were In Milan Last Week?

Milan Fashion Week was a conglomeration of sexy minis, hot pants, and a bit of Barbie. Unfortunately, it didn't amaze me in the same way New York did or even London, but it had its shining moments. Giambattista Valli took the Miu Miu route with his brand new collection, Giamba (which had me seriously confused at first glance. Who is this Giamba and where can I find his lovely clothes?). Cavalli, Dolce and Gabbana, and Gucci delivered as usual, but in a way that was utterly predictable like a romcom where the couple gets together in the end (not that I don't love those). DSquared2 and Moschino excelled at the theatrical by transporting us to the world of the ultimate diva whether in the form of Jeremy Scott's Barbie or Dan and Dean's fluff and froufrou. As per usual, Fendi was the best show at Milan Fashion Week and I don't say this because it's Karl, but it's undeniable that he's brilliant.

Let's recap my five favourite shows:

ERMANNO SCERVINO

Scervino is the epitome of Italian beauty: curvaceous, luxurious, and sensual. The show began with a few classic pieces like a pencil skirt in a bold blue hue or sleek strapless dress in a lovely shade of green. The vibe was very pastoral meets glamour (a combination none of us thought possible), particularly at the end with the floral print looks. Italians are also experts at choosing the perfect pieces of skin to display, including shoulders, midriff, and leg. With a few bra tops that were rendered tasteful with frilly blazers, these ladies captured femininity in its purest form. After exploring colour, Scervino reverted to classic white with intricate textures to add allure to each individual piece. And it wouldn't be Milan without some snakeskin, so that was another prominent feature of his collection.The show ended with an evening gown in a classic cut, that was anything but.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 27

I love designers who play with texture and this look aroused my desire for an outfit with interesting tactile appeal perfectly.

GIAMBA

When I first looked at this collection, I didn't know it was Giambattista Valli. I just thought it was incredibly pretty and imagined myself wearing every single piece. After scrolling through the entire collection, I discovered that my favourite couture designer was behind it and everything fell into place in my mind. The feminine silhouettes, the elaborate prints, the whimsical tights. It captured my personality in a nutshell. The entire collections projected a girlishness that was very Gossip Girl's Jenny Humphrey pre-makeover and I found myself feeling nostalgic. The platforms gave it that school girl touch I adore, but not without that Milan sex appeal integrated with transparency. It was a little Lolita with a touch of innocence projected through little white dresses with bouffant sleeves. As the show came to an end, the looks became more and more Valli with feathers and intricate stitch work. Every piece belonged in my closet.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 37
This is so girly and yet, the shoes give it that extra attitude necessary to take it from innocent to dangerous.

VERSACE

I don't know if it's the Vacarello influence coming into play, but I'm beginning to really appreciate the Versace aesthetic. The designer uses a minimalist approach to convey sex appeal, which makes the entire collection very model-off-duty. Perhaps the asymmetry in the first look drew me in or maybe the return of the crop top, which has grown on me with every collection this season. There was something about this show that kept pieces of the Versace we all love without being over-the-top 70s sexy as it usually is. There were some interesting details in the show like mesh top and skirt sets and some leather eyelets. There were some classic sixties shifts with some ostentatious prints and a few more subtle black looks. The loved the final pieces because they had graphic sashes and some Versace sparkle. It was definitely one of my favourite Versace shows yet.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 35

LES COPAINS

New creative director, Stephania Bandiera, blew my mind with this collection for Les Copains. Every piece was wearable and in one word, crisp. With clean white shirts and sleek cropped blazers, there were a number of pieces I wouldn't mind trying on for size. Literally. Some bold necklaces were combined with each predominantly white look to add some flavour and those wedges were definitely up my alley of footwear. The classic spring stripes made an appearance in grey and white and a floral print theme was definitely in that mix to remind us of what we love most about spring. Camo green and beige were other neutrals that surfaced with enough detailing to keep it interesting. Leaves were also displayed in a bold way on sweaters and clean cut dresses to promote the new season in the best way we know how: natural imagery. Finally, the show ended with some tribal prints and one particular red tribal print cape caught my eye. All in all, it was a great success for Stephania.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 14

This look captured spring for me with my favourite trend: the shorts suit. I love the edginess of this look combined with the inherent femininity. I'd wear this in a heartbeat.

FENDI

Is it wrong to say I love Fendi even more than Chanel? It's always so glamorous and projects a more youthful vibe than the demure Chanel tweeds. I look forward to Fendi every season for one reason: to find out how will Karl incorporate the Fendi fur. The designer didn't disappoint. His furry Karl keychains made an appearance to remind us of his ever present sense of humour. He brought florals to the table to keep up with the spring trend in a variety of forms from print to appliqués on a leather skirt I fell in love with just a little. Some asymmetry caught my eye on a few skirts and jackets. There was also a bit of shredding that reminded me of teenage angst (in a good way). The ombre effect was a nice surprise during the show that took the hair trend to clothing. A  few of those statement jackets are on my current wish-list along with a particular pair of baggy leather pants (a look I'm still trying to pull off). There were some interesting futuristic cutouts that are beginning to grow on me. It seems as though our Karl had some fun with that shredder of his. The show ended with some colourful feathers reminiscent of his fall Fendi furs. Say that ten times fast. I dare you.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 47

I know this isn't as wearable as many of the other looks from the collection, but it had that jaw-dropping factor which made it an instant favourite. If I get to see a blogger sport this look, my life will feel that much more complete.

All images via Style.com.

Which was your favourite Milan collection?

Ponder it.

XOXO,

Bella

Arrivederci Milano

And another Fashion Week comes to close leaving us all at the edge of our seats as we await the much anticipated Paris. As we exit Milan (in our imaginations), the opulence at Dolce and Gabbana, the flamboyant furs at Fendi, and the vivacious sex appeal at Versace linger in our minds as we begin to mentally reconstruct our Fall wardrobes. While some designers opted for a more edgy rocker chic look (Versace, Just Cavalli, and Fausto Puglisi), others redefined class on their own terms (Gucci, Emporio Armani, Ports 1961) and some offered conspicuous consumption as a treat (Moschino). A Karl doll also made an appearance as well as Spongebob (Yes, you read that correctly). So before perusing the fantasies of Chanel, Lanvin, and Balmain, let's reflect upon the extravagancies of Milan that had us all wishing we were glamorous enough to indulge in them.

GUCCI

Milan Fashion Week started with a bang as Gucci hit the runway. And then it ended. Just kidding. But it might as well have. All other designers go home and make room for Frida Giannini, queen of chic. This collection was sexy librarian meets Austin Powers with luxe furs in sophisticated pastels, knee high flat boots, 60s dresses and wide rimmed glasses, as we were all taken back to a time where glamour reigned supreme. The coats were the main attraction, particularly the leopard print only worthy of a true diva (A.K.A Queen Bey). Brown and pastel leather gave it just the right amount of edge to go from classy fashionista to va-va-voom.

Favourite Look: If you haven't guessed it already: the leopard coat. Duh. (Look 24)

via blog.stylesight.com

JOHN RICHMOND

John Richmond was comprised of just a few of my favourite things: bulky sweaters, fuzzy coats, and masculine blazers. I can safely say that I had a crush on this collection and wanted ALL OF IT. From the mini dresses in asymmetrical cuts to the floor grazers in abstract floral prints to the wide variety of hooded getups, this was all very effortless and model-off-duty (everything I strive for). Obviously, it increased my desire to wear baggy leather pants too. I also want bangs now. HOW AM I SO EASILY INFLUENCEABLE?

Favourite Look: Look 27. Baggy leather pants, please be mine?

via blog.stylesight.com

FAUSTO PUGLISI

In a stream of colours, Fausto Puglisi made all my colour blocking dreams come true. Any collection with leather in it is always a favourite of mine. The rule is: the more leather there is, the more obsessed I become. Take note. Another dominant theme: the statue of liberty. Yes, we were in Milan, but the American Dream still permeated the scene, as Lady Liberty appeared on a wide variety of sweaters amongst the colourful rainbow skittles dresses. Ending with embellished skirts, this collection was definitely eye candy.

Favourite Look: Look 8 had my name written all over it. That jacket was insane.

via blog.stylesight.com

DSQUARED2

I've always adored Dan and Dean Caten because they have thy ey always dress their ladies extravagantly, while avoiding a descent into tackyhood. They're also Canadian (Represent!) and every collection looks like a big party that I'd really like to join. The contrast between vibrant purples and blues with clean white looks was divine and the gowns captured that 1960s beauty of the rich sophisticate. It was a little Audrey Hepburn meets Brigitte Bardot (the greatest combination one can possibly imagine) with shift dresses and large Jackie O sunglasses. The hats reminded us all that fashion week is ALL about the hats (as I've always suspected) and if it were a contest, these bros would win. Also, snakeskin is coming back in a big way, fellas, so get ready.

Favourite Look: Undebatably, look 23. Those glasses are simply amazing with a capital AZING.

via blog.stylesight.com

FENDI

Obviously. As if you could've ever doubted that Karl wouldn't make this list. Also, I hinted at it yesterday here. It all started with Cara, because who doesn't love Cara? Oh, and the Karl doll dangling from her fingers that nobody will ever forget. Don't you love his sense of humour? If you hadn't figured it out, Karl loves to play with fur. Hence, the fur doll. Incorporating fur in every possible way on wool coats and classic parkas, Karl proves himself to be the master of the trend. From jackets to bags to neckwear, fur dominated the runway, complimenting silky skirts, black mesh, and le fameux leather. Playing with fabrics is clearly his forte as he provides an expert display of layering. Let's all learn from Karl and look this good doing it. If only.

Favourite Look: Look 22. So. Freaking. Chic.

via blog.stylesight.com

And now, we can all say Arrivederci Milano and Bonjour Paris. Time to shed the layers of extravagance for some traditional parisian non-chalance. I can't wait.

Be sure to check out these Fashion Week looks on Style.com!

Bella