D&G's star studded AW11 Collection - Milan Fashion Week 2011

Yesterday we literally saw a star-studded collection from Dolce and Gabbana from Milan Fashion Week. An out there collection, the Italian design duo tapped into the current catwalk craze for gender-bending  in an upbeat collection that perfectly married the duality of masculine and feminine dress. With models divided into two camps – ‘Tomboys and Temptresses’, there was a clear split in the collection. The Tomboys sported slick, tailored looks of blazers and brogues whereas the Temptresses were floating down the runway in sheer lace, pretty star prints and sequins. Crossover between the two came from mixing boyish brogues with floor length gowns and towering heels with sharp suits.

The collection offered a real treat for the eye, with stunning star prints gracing sweeping dresses and shirts, as well as tights and leggings in variety of colours adding a vibrant feel to the collection. Further strong prints came in the form of musical notes, hinting at a strong print focus following through from SS11.

An all black and white finale brought the two teams together, with one side in braces and trousers and the other with in strong underwear-as-outerwear themed items. Boy-meets-girl is nothing new for D&G. the pairing of masculine chic and provocative femininity has been a staple look for the label for over 20 years, they are simply successfully reworking it collection by collection.

Overall, it was an exciting collection from the Italian duo, with strong elements that are sure to be translated into the shops in months to come!

What do you think? Do you have stars in your eyes or do you think their musical prints were out of tune?

Versace AW11 - Milan Fashion Week 2011

On Sunday, Donatella Versace presented a baroque/military-influenced AW11 collection. We can always rely on Versace to deliver drama and decadence and this collection did just that. Set in the sumptuous tented garden where her late brother Gianni always showed, a star-studded guest list took to their seats for some high-octane Versace style glamour.

The label’s signature Medusa swirls were enlarged and simplified into a statement, single curled vine that was all over the runway as well as the collection. It was a refreshing move on for the brand’s logo. Distinctive prints appeared on military style shift dresses of rich, decadent hues of purple and gold yellow.

Donatella said that the baroque aesthetic was the main inspiration behind the collection – “Baroque is a key element of the Versace history. And yet it is contemporary, and works for this moment in time. Baroque brings drama, but to make it modern I keep the line very clean, and used ‘pop’ colours” she said.

A punchy collection, aimed at pleasing their loyal customers, there was plenty of black (Donatella’s favourite) accented with flashes of intense colour. No expense was spared with luxurious fabrics, including python, feathers, felted cashmere, leather and suede creating floor length gowns and tailored double-breasted coats.

Despite it being the A/W collection, the dresses demanded some skin to be on show with daring one-shoulder and sleeveless dresses , however the look was more demure that previous collections, hinting at a more reserved direction for the brand.

The show was a collection of interesting shapes and bold hints of rich colours. As with all Versace collections, decadence was a key theme but was toned down somewhat by sleek styling. A refreshing collection from Versace!

Prada is perfectly innocent at Milan Fashion Week AW11

Prada’s AW11 collection brought a sense of innocence to the strong, womanly sophistication that the norm from big name labels. The influence behind this collection, according to Miuccia Prada, was “not a girl dressed like a lady, but a lady rediscovering her innocence”.  After SS11’s wild and brightly coloured collection it was a return to what Prada does best, taking clothes that we think we know best and rearranging them in a way that is slightly unsettling, yet perfectly refreshing. 

Like Gucci, the look the collection steered away from the 1970’s and went back to the 1960’s, resembling the silhouette of an 1960’s air hostess, with drop waisted, big button, mid thigh coat dresses and knee high boots – signaling an innocent, ladylike style. Aviation was a strong theme, with goggle-like glasses, short gloves and aviation style hats adorning the models.

The colour palette was a mix of striking versus subdued, with plums, greys and dark teals being contrasted again phonebox red and canary yellow. Coloured fur trims and coats added a real sense of luxury to the collection, further enhancing the chic, stylish women that Prada aspires to dress. 

The handbags were held tightly against the body by the models – clutched sideways, almost like children’s toys – and were featured in soft leathers, python skins and exotic skins.

Miuccia Prada, unlike most designers, says that she is happy when her designs are copied on the high street, as for her, fashion is about turning the ideas in her head into designs that will cover magazines, red carpets, offices and train carriages all over the world. The subtle sedate of this show is what Prada does best, and this superb show will be bought and copied worldwide. Despite starting over an hour late (“It takes a long time to make things charming” – Miuccia Prada) the show ignited a real sense of excitement and went down a storm.

What was your favourite look from the collection? Do you think the styles can be translated onto the high street come autumn?

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!

Fiorelli on Gok!

Love him or hate him, there’s no denying Gok Wan knows a thing or two about fashion! He’s become something of a household name in the last few years, thanks to his fashion based TV shows. Although at times he can be slightly irritating, what I love about him is his ability to restore women’s confidence in themselves. I have to admit that I frequently get goosebumps/a little tear in my eye when he reveals a new makeover for a woman who previously had zero self-esteem. It’s heart-warming stuff.

Last night Gok and his TV show, Gok’s Clothes Roadshow, headed to Birmingham to help three slummy mummy’s become yummy mummy’s once again. In the high street vs. designer battle at the end of the show Gok chose our best selling Loretta fan clutch from the Fiorelli Black collection as part of his ‘ultimate boho 70’s high street look’. Check out the clip below to see how great it looks on the catwalk!

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/goks-clothes-roadshow/4od#3163776

This fan shape is our favourite shape of the collection, and we have it in a number of on trend colours and fabrics. As Gok highlighted, the Loretta in black is perfect for the 70’s trend, thanks to its subtle weave detailing. In the Astor range, we have luxurious leopards and lizards, which are perfect for the exotic skins trend that is everywhere at the moment.

What do you think of Gok? Do you think he’s a fashion guru or just a bit irritating?!