Whether you’re a toy girl or Teddy boy, Milan Fashion Week had spring summer 2015 all wrapped up. The Milanese heavyweights were under the microscope again this season, with profits at some of the top brands affected by economic and political negativity in the country. In spite of the Italians having curated catwalk, the Milanese masters had to pull out all the stops to ensure the Parisian love affair did not begin too soon.
BEST IN SHOW
The economic and political backdrop did not appear to tinge the cinematic sea for Emporio Armani or purple deserts for Prada.
Childhood toys were a popular theme from Jeremy Scott’s Barbie-inspired Moschino world, complete with roller Barbie, beach Barbie and beat box Barbie with plastic fantastic accessories (as editor Sophia Serin experienced), to miniature dolls being carried by Dolce & Gabbana models. It’s now fashionable to rummage around your attic for your 80s childhood charms.
You may think she is carrying a briefcase but it is in fact a case carrying a Barbie
A far cry from Barbie, as well as showcasing it’s spring summer collection, Marni also hosted a gorgeous flower market in the Rotonda della Besana, where visitors could purchase flowers, fruit and stylish home wares.
Marni celebrated it’s 20th anniversary with a flower market
However, back on the catwalk and Marni’s models were presented as Teddy boys, a change from the brand’s usual feminine form, to celebrate the label’s 20th birthday. Tunics and wide-leg trouser clad models were armed with drawstring and floral tote bags, a must-have addition to your collection of commuter or beach bags. Versace’s show included a must have bag, complete with pockets for all your paraphernalia.
Androgyny at Marni
Inspired by the sand and sea, Armani’s show opened with a short film showing empty beaches and an intertwined couple. His cinematic collaboration showcased androgynous suits juxtaposed with floaty chiffon maxi skirts.
Prada gave the desert a run for its money with purple dunes providing the landscape for vintage-inspired looks, a mood that continued at Gucci, with models debuting the brand’s new make-up line, marking its diversification. We’ll add a lipstick to our wish list.
Gucci beauty at Milan Fashion Week
Fendi was opened by Cara Delevingne, joined by Georgia May Jagger, with floral hair accessories and botanical print mini dresses adorning the collection, while leather and feathers also appeared to flock together.
KEY TRENDS
Milan Fashion Week saw three key fabrics: denim as seen at Gucci, Emporio Armani, Fendi and Alberta Feretti; suede as seen at Prada and Fendi; and leather.
Emporio Armani
There was a 70s revolution with retro long coats at Prada and Gucci as well as culottes, long floaty frocks and maxis, which will be ideal for spring summer nights, from Emilio Pucci and Cavalli and Missoni.
Emilio Pucci
Jil Sander, Marni and Armani proved androgynous minimalism can work any environment from daytime professionalism to evening street style.
Jil Sander
Botanical prints at Fendi and Marni and textures and feathers at Fendi and Etro, received the Italian stamp, as well as cut out detailing (also Fendi) and sheer panelling (Versace).
Colours range from bubble gum pinks to aquatic-inspired shades of pearly white, beige and grey to psychedelic hues as seen at Moschino and Cavalli.
Moschino Barbie Girl
MODELS OF THE WEEK
Kendall Jenner at Dolce & Gabbana at Milan Fashion Week
Kendall Jenner put the bullying at New Fashion Week behind her starring on the runways for top designers including Dolce & Gabbana as well as Pucci whose model pack also included Naomi Campbell, Joan Smalls, Malaika Firth and Binx Walton.
Naomi Campbell and Joan Smalls at Emilio Pucci
Prada’s show included the reappearance of Australian model, Gemma Ward, who has not walked a runway in six years, while Charlotte Free’s turn as roller Barbie at Moschino was a memorable must see.
THE FROW
Coco Rocha with Jeremy Scott at Moschino
Coco Rocha and other FROWers at Moschino bagged their very own Barbie dolls, while Kate Moss and Charlotte Casiraghi’s (Monaco’s royal and Grace Kelly’s granddaughter) mingled next to Anna Wintour, who provided the limelight at Gucci.
Colin Firth’s uber-stylish wife Livia Firth at Gucci
Kate Moss at Gucci
Anna Wintour is a FROW must-have
Fashion greats Anna Dello Russo and Carine Roitfeld
BACKSTAGE GOSSIP
Cara Delevingne proved models do eat by tucking into a pizza before the Fendi show and giving Karl Lagerfeld a peck.
Kendall Jenner appeared to be fighting back at tales of bullying with her instagram pictures, and rumours are rife of a budding romance after she was seen holding hands with a hunk.
Words: Natalie Morrison, founder of SHIFT Fashion
Images: Getty and Supplied
