It is not only too tiring but also physically impossible to attend every show and presentation you get invited to during fashion week in Milan. When the ability to clone yourself for a week becomes available then it might be possible, until then you just have to pick and choose.

Catwalk show invites tend to be the most sought after, at every show there are crowds of people without invites pleading unsuccessfully to be let in. Besides the shows though, there are the presentations, these are different to those in London, these are mainly showroom visits and many of them are there to present new bag and shoe collections.

There are also some clothes presentations, these generally have at least one or two models walking around.

The best thing about a showroom visit is that it allows you to get a closer look at the items, to feel the texture of the materials, look at the stitching, absorb all the details. Out of the five days I spent in Milan, probably only a quarter of my time was spent visiting the presentations but these were some of the highlights.

Presentations

Elena Ghisellini

At Elena Ghisellini the bag collection is incredibly eye-catching, the quality of the materials and workmanship is very high but the design and brilliant colour combinations is what made my heart flutter.

Bulgari

At Bulgari, the Spring collection reinterprets their classical bags with new vibrant colours and materials.

Photo by Caroline Paris

The Bulgari-Bulgari signature shape is available in different colours such as white and tan, denim blue and aquarelle turquoise or berry with violet. The new Serpenti forever bags for Summer are quite thrilling - one of the new styles is shimmering lizard skin and antique bronzed brushed calf leathers, a metal film coating is also applied  to further enhance the effect. Retractable handles, serpenti studs and bright colours are other new features to be found on these bags.

La Perla

La Perla’s collection is elegant and timeless. The collection fuses different pieces together ranging from lingerie, beachwear, sleepwear and loungewear.

The range of patterned swimsuits is exceptional as is the wonderfully sensual but chic lingerie range. One of the main pieces for next summer is the bodysuit that was presented as beachwear, as lingerie and also as outerwear. The wonderful versatility of this piece using different fabrics and patterns allow it to be interpreted in many different ways.

Catwalk Shows

Back to the Catwalk Shows and although sometimes the days start to blur into each other, certain shows remain distinctly unforgettable.

Elisabetta Franchi

At Elisabetta Franchi, the mood was exuberant and expectant, this designer caused quite a stir with the last collection.

In this new one the female silhouette continues to be celebrated and enhanced, the mood is aggressive-chic seduction, this collection is for a strong willed woman who is happy to be noticed. The collection combines skin revealing slits, suede fringing, metallic embroidery, eyelets and my favourite - interlacing details.

Moschino and Au Jour Le Jour

I didn’t attend the Moschino show but watched it online and the main theme revolved around a car wash.

I was therefore quite surprised when models at Au Jour le Jour walked out wearing pieces with the Dash logo splattered all over them - it seems cleaning up is in fashion for next season.

I enjoyed the Au Jour Le Jour show, it was lively and focused with some lovely pop-art prints on everything from the clothes to the shoes to the accessories. Moschino is always a great, fun collection - both brands aimed to produce fun-filled fashion for the younger set or the young at heart.

Photos by Kurt Paris - www.kurtparis.com
Caroline Paris - www.carolinefashionstyling.com