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