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

Let's Talk About Kanye for Adidas

Let's begin with the name. Yeezy Boost. Okay. I don't speak Kanye. Not sure what that means. However, we'll let it slide because it sounds cool.

The show started with Kanye going on and on about philosophical thoughts that lifted him to the godlike pedestal he seems to permanently sit on. Moral of the story. Awesome is possible. Take that, New York Fashion Week.

Now, let's move on to the clothing. It consisted mainly of neutral tones such as black and nude. The black made us think of Kanye because he's so mysterious. Obviously. The nude made us think of Kim, for obvious reasons as well.

Kanye also chose to include his sister-in-law Kylie in the show to make her feel like she's just as good as Kendall at modelling. Unfortunately, this isn't Lagerfeld or DVF, but I suppose Kanye will do since he is destined for greatness. Duh.

Kim also brought Baby North to the show to honour her daddy, which resulted in tears and Kim having to take the child out of the room. They say the truth comes out of the mouths of babes. I don't know. That's just what they say.

Anyhow, I liked the shoes. I want the shoes. I think it's safe to say that the average person does not want to expose herself a la Kim by wearing Kanye's nudist tights, but he stayed true to himself and that's what matters.

Also, he debuted an awesome new song. Listen to it.

via dazeddigital.com

Good for you, Kanye.

XOXO,

Bella

London Called. We Had A Nice Chat. Milan Is On The Other Line.

If my corny attempt at manipulating clichés did not offer you any hints as to what the hell I'm talking about, allow me to clarify. As with NYFW, this is my dedicatory post in which I say "cheers" to London Fashion Week by presenting my favourite collections. Tea, crumpets, and Tom Ford is exactly what the doctor ordered and though it was much too short, LFW exceeded expectations with vibrant prints, architectural cuts, and metallic accents. With a surprise by Cara Delevingne (view here) and just the right amount of hipster to suit our fancy, I hereby present to you: London Fashion Week In Review.

HOLLY FULTON 

Did somebody order a dash of whimsy with a sprinkle of quirkiness? Holly Fulton offers a collection that satisfies your need to express your weird desires to simultaneously embody the eccentric school teacher and boho artist with a penchant for funky prints. From tailored coats to sophisticated dresses with whimsical patterns and sheer dresses with floral appliqués, Fulton plays with concepts and ideas, capturing the attention of women with an abundance of personality. As you'll soon discover, mixing prints was the flavour of the week in London this season as abstract art materialized inside the fabrics.

Favourite Look: I have a little nerd crush on Look 4 (the first look in this image).

via www.becomegorgeous.com

PETER PILOTTO

With all the hype surrounding the new Target collection, Peter Pilotto is the talk of the town and if you didn't see this runway show, get thee to YouTube. Of all the #LFW shows, this was the only one I managed to watch Live and I was transported into another world. Illusion was the resounding theme as models strutted through a maze of colour in visually captivating prints exhibiting every shade of the rainbow. Whatever message was being conveyed, it was shouted out loud through abstract artistic designs that only served to further question our interpretive abilities. Interesting? Yes. Bold? Absolutely. Overkill? That's for you to decide.

Favourite Look: The sweater in Look 16. Because it made me question whether or not I'd actually wear it.

via Style Sight

TEMPERLEY LONDON

Temperley London is always one of my favourite collections come London Fashion Week. Let me tell you why. It begins with the extravagant skirts with a strong dose of personality and end with a burning desire for romance. Integrating Byzantine mosaic prints and florals in bold shades of blue, the artistic flavour was nothing short of delicious. Scarves have become a fashion statement as they take on their own identities, becoming the centrepiece of every look. Katie Shillingford completes this collection by outlining the feminine figure as she slips into evening wear. Also, boot pants are the latest fad. Get with the program.

Favourite Look: My weakness for black has reared it's ugly head and the poncho in Look 17 propelled it to surface (but the third look in this image would definitely be my second favourite)

via dreaminlace.com

BURBERRY PRORSUM

The backdrop, the music, the blankets embellished with initials. I think this may be love. This season, Christopher Bailey went above and beyond, with his juxtaposition of warm colours and abstract prints on flowy bohemian dresses and scarves that we'll all be dying to own as soon as they hit the shelves. The classic trench took on a new persona, appearing in warm Safari tones. Accessorizing with matching belts and handbags, these models were transformed into art pieces blending into the natural landscape. Yes, Christopher. I'd like all of those dresses delivered to my closet, please.

Favourite Look: The coat in look 5. I'm already swooning (the second look in the image below)

via www.bellanaija.com

ANTONIO BERARDI

Let's take a moment to talk about those boots, which were basically the footwear equivalent of fishnet stockings. If that wasn't indicative enough of what this collection was about to offer, the form-fitting mini dresses revealed "sexy vixen" as the theme of choice. With geometric prints, architectural detailing, and vibrant metallic colours, this collection demanded just the right amount of attention, while remaining tasteful. The masculine inspired coats were the perfect compliment to these otherwise traditional feminine looks and they are currently on my "coveting" list.

Favourite Look: Look 6 has my name written all over it. In morse code.

via fashion.telegraph.co.uk

That's all, folks. Ciao Milan.

Bella