Milan Fashion Week Review: Fall 2009

Fashion week in Milan displayed a variety of fashion aesthetics. There was the classic, almost austere fashion from Prada, bright over the top looks from Versace, Dolce & Gabanna, D&G and Blumarine, soft sophistication from Burberry and Emporio Armani, and sleek and chic looks from Gucci and Roberto Cavalli. I absolutely adored the collections from D&G and Burberry. While D&G appealed to the princess within, Burberry made me think of the British country side with an urban twist. As far as trends, there were lots of skinny pants, leather, thigh high boots and a return to the mini.


D&G
D&G delivered what I expect from Milan Fashion week - completely over the top fashion. D&G is already known for corsets but this collection witnessed another homage to the princess look - a full skirt, except the mini version. The finale was a row of gowns with opera playbills on the bodice.

Dolce & Gabanna
I love Marilyn Monroe so of course I love a collection that uses her face as a print. I was not a fan of the big shoulders but the looks below really caught my eye.

Emporio Armani
Usually Armani's collections are very sophisticated, classy, and to be frank a little old, but this year I was pleasantly surprised. The collection was young and playful with plenty of mini skirts, knits, and great coats.

Prada
The harsh fabrics, red, stiff leather and what appear to be rain boots made me think Miuccia Prada was designing for the Russian army circa WWII. There were bits of detail but it was a largely military aesthetic that was almost harsh in its minimalism.

Roberto Cavalli
Roberto Cavalli catered to two types of clientele with this collection. On one side he had the soft, flowing dresses in neutral colors. On the other it was an appeal to the rocker within with lots of black, studs and skinny pants.

Gucci
Last year Gucci made a large floral print with yellow accents the hottest print for Hollywood. This time it's trying to do the same with the polka dot.

Versace
Cutouts, skinny pants, and thigh high slits abounded in Versace's collection. It was characterized by bright colors, mostly covering the blue end of the spectrum. Overall this gave it a decidedly mermaid, under the sea feel.

Blumarine
There was nothing "fall" about this collection. Instead it was full of light colored mini dresses and gowns. My favorite print was the splotches of paint as in the two dresses below.

Dsquared
This collection was young, fun, and I'd even say cheeky. Dsquared really puts you in the moment by incorporating unusual accessories like a cup of coffee (Starbucks of course!). There was a little bit of everything, slouchy pants, leather jackets, animal prints and extra long scarves.

Burberry Prorsum
I thought this was a really great collection from Burberry. It included the great outerwear pieces that Burberry is known for but there were also some flowing dresses that projected ease and comfort with impeccable style.

image source: style.com