Alberta Ferretti AW11 - Milan Fashion Week 2011

The first thing you notice about Alberta Ferretti’s AW11 collection is that it’s not channeling that 70’s feel that we’ve seen so much of lately. Oh no, this collection goes down a complete different road: think sixties mod. Of late we have seen collections dominated by flowy and ethereal shapes, but here Ferretti has delivered something completely different. Think pronounced, strong, slim shapes from high-neck collars, quarter length sleeves, long printed coats, slim trousers and seriously bright pops of colour.

Prints have to be described as “groovy” (has it ever been acceptable to use that word when describing fashion?! Up until now, I would have to say no, but Ferretti is changing that…) and take us back to a time of Twiggy and retro boots.

As the show progressed it became apparent that AW11 will be all about the details. From crystal embellishment to delicate ruffles, strong femininity reigned supreme!

Gucci AW11 Collection - Milan Fashion Week 2011

Well, Ciao Colour! Gucci certainly set the tone for Milan Fashion Week with a collection full of eye-popping  colour! Frida Giannini delivered a collection that was full of luxury and a visual delight. A clear theme of the collection was luxurious 70’s, with lady-like silhouettes created by skirtsuits, wide-leg trousers, tie-neck blouses and halterneck dresses. All immensely wearable, we are sure to see more than a few imitations hit the high street.

The colour pallette can only be described as eclectic. Rich, intense hues of teal, emerald green, sapphire blue and ruby red were used to liven up furs, suedes and snakeskins. The combinations of colours exuded sheer indulgence, with deep blues contrasted against olive greens, and royal purple next to vibrant teal. It’s a brave move to have such an eye-popping colour palette in a season that calls for so much black and grey, but then we have to think about the Gucci woman. She’s not the type of woman to shy away from colour and blend into the crowd. Oh no, she’s all about letting the world know that she’s got style and loves luxury, and that she’s not afraid to flaunt it.

It was a great start to the week, Giannini effortlessly captured that Italian exuberance and it was a refreshing move on from the post-war, heritage feel we saw in London.

What are your views on the collection? Is it eye-popping for all the right or wrong reasons?

Ciao Milan!

Following on from New York and London fashion weeks, fashions biggest names take their new Autumn/Winter11 collections to the runways of Milan. Often hailed as fashion’s capital city, I’m off to Milan to check out the latest installments from the fashion world!

Be sure to read my reviews and let me know what you think of the collections! Ciao!