The Italian Job ... [PART TWO]

Now to conclude my Milan fashion week round up!

I want to talk about the amazing Antonio Marras first i think this was my favourite show from Milan this season. Textural mixing was a big hitter at this show, the fabrics acted as canvases for the artistic prints to be painted onto, beautiful tweed mixed with silks, a patchwork dream is the best way to describe it. Lace was appliquéd onto tweed to tremendous effect, luxe jumpers and shiny socks it was all too much for me to take how many incredible pieces can be in one show! Then patent gold everywhere, then patent gold, tweed, fur, and wool all in one outfit genius is not even the word. Embroidery effect jumpers are next chic granny if you will, polka dots and more applique then checks then abstract prints. Then the best comes the luxe coat in rich red and gold  but one section in the middle is a pin strip bomber jacket, pure magic eye stuff here, expert waterfall coats also featured, it doesn't quite compute in my head either!

Now for Dolce and Gabbana where yet another wondrous spectacle was brought forth, the workmanship was on another level in this collection! Pure Italian heritage as models donned garments showing religious artefacts. mosaics and symbols caressing the clothes, making them saintly visions with giant rosary beads hanging on their necks. Bejewelling reached it's highest point at this show, but after the initial dazzling start the show turned a bit more sophisticated taking form in graceful grey wools, beautiful silhouettes were seen, then for some gorgeous Italian lace in black, white and of course red, more luxe jumpers and skirts, ending in an eye gorging array of expertly crafted beaded and jewelled outfits, then onto the carnival of red warrior women to finish, a truly entertaining collection!  

And lastly from Milan my final pick is Marco de Vincenzo, a chic, elegant and innovative collection, exquisite silhouettes continued one after the other down the catwalk. Incredibly interesting fabrics kept coming the likes of some i have never seen before, black, white, grey and camel were the basis of the collection but if you look closely enough enchanting pastel hues catch your eye and a stunning steely silver also came through. A magical and adventurous collection.

Images sourced from vogue.com

The Italian Job ... [PART ONE]

So only Paris left now, and it's time for my report on Milan, extravagant it was as always, a sinking ship drowned by drama, jewels, and fur [and unfortunately not of the faux variety]!!!  Milan never fails on the dramatic front or on the precisely shaped clothes front either perfectly cut garments made for a glamourous affair with embellishment as far as the eye could see maximalism was definitely in [with the exception on Jil Sander of course].  Lots of white on white gave a blindingly clear nod to the wintery months and the punk vibe coming from Donatella's collection along with the Fred Flintstone-esche coat everyone is talking about was a sure signal that the 90's is back big-style [i'm pulling a 'really' face too!]. So here are my top picks from MFW 13/14.  

Alberta Ferretti is first and she sent strong, sophisticated, frills and ruffles down the catwalk for A/W making a bold statement in monochrome these were equestrian feeling silhouettes with a hard edge. Exquisite embroidery and applique gave the collection a softer feel, the amazingly vivid shot of colour in the middle of the show brought excitement and energy before the seriously spectacular evening wear brought an end to proceedings.

       

Secondly i want to talk about No.21 the array of textures and embellishment at this show caught my attention, staring in a beautiful caramel then running into metallics twinned with pastels, into white, black, print, into wool, ombre, and some tremendous patch shirt pockets this show wasn't missing a thing. Casual yet dressed up, which was a recurring theme during the week, made sure the collection kept its cool understated edge i never though i would consider a tweed jumper and sequinned skirt but after this show anything is possible!

And finally for now MaxMara, volume was the big one here and lots of it oversized fluffy textured coats overtook the catwalk for a spectacle that brought pure jealously from within me.  Origami folds on a huge scale, layering up to massive proportions and extreme coolness were major themes at MaxMara, a subtle colour palette reached its height mid way through with a excellent mustard yellow ensemble a show not to be missed if only we could all look this good all the time, is there no justice!

  

To Be Continued...

Images sourced from vogue.com

London calling to the faraway towns [PART TWO]

So heres the continuation of my top picks from London Fashion Week...

Peter Pilotto is my first collection in this continued post, i read that Pilotto along with Christopher de Vos 'explored the decorated works of Spanish renaissance artists' for their autumn/winter 2013-14 collection and you can most definitely see that in the show. The appliqued coats and jackets were my particular favourites, abstract prints donned every surface and equally complex shapes added to the eye feast! The signature patterned puffa's made a welcome return again this season and the rich colour palate amongst the graphic prints only verified the designers innovation! 

Elegance is a word that springs to mind for the next collection from Mr Antonio Berardi, beginning with work wear then slipping effortlessly into a more evening wear vibe this collection is without fault. Razor sharp tailoring, a highly sophisticated colour story, lots of lovely capes, pleats, sheer cut outs and advanced shapes made this a collection to remember.

Now to talk about Louise Gray our fashion recycling heroine, she had plastic bag hair pieces, tins as earrings, duct tape bangles and even toilet roll featured, wacky it sounds and wacky it was but not in the monstrosity my description may have built up in your mind it was actually a lot better! The usual genius mix of textures, layers and innovative materials were involved as well as an uplifting colour palette some great prints, exceptional trousers and some structurally sound dresses a show of theatrical delights, the show also highlighted wearing rubbish is most definitely cool.

And finally on my whirlwind tour of LFW it's Tata Naka these identical twin sisters have been awarded The British Fashion Councils coveted New Generation Award at LFW a staggering 3 times in a row. So my meagre seal of approval will not do them justice but still i'll continue anyway. A fun and colourful presentation from the pair this season, the highlight for me were the sheer strips added to skirt, dress and trouser bottoms i felt they were rather funky, also masses of colour and print on top on one another, preppy american cheer outfits, abstract prints and some amazing wool wears, yep there was a lot contained in this one collection but it was maximalism at its funnest! 

Images sourced from vogue.com     

See you in MIlan!