While at some moments the endless stream of furs or sexed-up dresses seemed repetitive, Milan Fashion Week was an inspired mix of creatively upbeat clothing from futuristic silhouettes to old school glamorous dresses.
Some of history’s most iconic fashion has come out of depressing times. And this season, Milan did not disappoint. Credit crunch or not, it’s exciting to see fashion that makes you want to get dressed up again. Now if the economy would just bounce back so that we can all afford it. We recount the week’s trends and explore how they will translate to life off the runway. (On a scale of 0, for magazines only, to 5, for wear it everyday).
The trend: Glamour girls
Rhinestones, luxe fabrics, bold prints and feminine hour-glass silhouettes are just a few of the elements that dominated this trend.
The designers: Sportmax, Byblos, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Alberta Ferretti, Moschino, Aquilano.Rimondi, Marni, Krizia
Runway to real life rating: 4. Break out the red lipstick and high heels and book an appointment at the hair salon. This is not a low-maintenance look.
The trend: Sex goddess
Home to the house of Versace and Cavalli, Milan is the master of this concept. So its no surprise that the idea’s comeback for fall would happen here. The biggest component of the sex goddess look: The thigh-high stiletto.
The designers: Roberto Cavalli, Blumarine, Versace, Gucci.
Runway to real life rating: 3. Expect to get extra hoots and whistles on the street.
The trend: Easy and wearable, yet chic
If there’s one major complaint of the week, it’s that too many collections neglected the everyday wardrobe needs that we all have. Sometimes a woman just wants a great, comfy sweater, an easy but chic pair of trousers, or a skirt that she doesn’t have to suck her stomach in to wear.
The designers: Burberry Prorsum, DSquared2, Prada, Max Mara, Missoni
Runway to real life rating: 5. Prada’s beautifully constructed suits, Burberry Prorsum’s swinging skirts and Max Mara’s wearable separates make great investments for the office (or the job interview.) Missoni’s layered knits, meanwhile, are the ultimate daytime wear.
Accessories alert: Boots made for walking
From Prada’s outdoorsy versions (far right), to Burberry’s cooler than cool high heel motorcycle boots to Cavalli’s soft thigh-high stilettos (right), boots win the prize for the biggest accessory trend for fall.
