For international visitors especially, one of the best things about fashion week is the fact that you gain entrance to some beautiful buildings and rooms that are either not normally open to the public or not on a tourist radar.

Some of these can include members-only clubs, historic museums and especially in Milan some wonderful rich palaces. A unique location can really set the tone and mood for the show.

At Uma Wang it was conducted in the beautiful Palazzo dell’ Arengario, the mood and feeling was rich and aristocratic with a nod to the past when refined glamour was a matter of course. The clothes were highly elaborate.

Brocade fabrics and long, heavy coats resembling tapestries were worn over wide, billowing trousers. The colour palette was also rich, mainly made up of dark colours such as maroon, greys and dark greens, sometimes infused with a bright yellow or gold spark.

 

 

 

 

 

At Etro, bohemian chic was the name of the game and whilst the looks were mainly practical, it felt like the brand had infused this new collection with a breath of fresh air.

Interesting layering and styling techniques were put forward. One such idea was that of pairing shorter-length pieces with longer ones and also that of combining lighter materials with heavier ones such as leather. Eastern-influences motifs and prints were also a feature of the collection.

Actually, lots of prints and patterns were presented - the paisley pattern made an appearance contrasting with plaid, stripes and even florals. Oversized scarfs complemented many of the looks.

At Elisabetta Franchi, powerful, women paraded in a flurry of bright, fun pieces that had sex appeal and a huge dose of confidence. The collection was split into different themes but cutaway skirts, sequins, body suits, and a good dose of 80s inspiration were all features throughout.

The opening sequence included monochrome basics in styles that carry over from the previous seasons and then led to a ‘party’ collection full of metallics and sparkly numbers.

The finale theme was a circus-related one packed with fringe details, top hats, body suits and show-stopping items.  The colour palette was extended to include a wider range of colours this season and also included the idea of different colour combinations in one outfit.

One such combination which featured was blue and red which is something being picked up on worldwide at present, in relation to the ongoing American election campaign. Part of her showcase was dedicated to paying support to the cause of animal rights.

In tandem there was also the idea of protesting against circuses with the logo Animals are not Clowns printed on T-shirts. An emphasis was also made on the use of eco-friendly textiles, vegan leather and faux fur.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Aigner classic, sophisticated, tailored silhouettes were the focus. The collection struck a neat balance between sex appeal and elegance. Geometric patterns, suede, high-cut slits and sheer fabrics were all present.

Some lovely shearling pieces in powder pink caught my eye and of course the bags which are always one of the brand’s strongest points.

Leitmotiv are a highly interesting designer duo who always provide originality both in their pieces and also in the show setup and press material. Art was the inspiration behind this collection.

Bright colours and wild prints were all present and came in various formats such as long coats, dresses and suits. I was especially fond of a dress consisting of a dark, floral pattern at the top but ending in flowing tulle. Metallic fabric, frills and fringing details paired with tough ankle boots were definite eye-catching, statement looks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Cividini, layered, unconventional looks were the focus. Different clothing items were worn together in unexpected manners such as cardigans over sweaters and coats worn over other coats.

Thick, ribbed tights accompanied many of the looks along with snazzy, flat footwear. There was a sense of dishevelment in the styling and even the models; hair was styled in a way that made it feel real and unpolished.

Stella Jean presented one of the most inspirational shows ever. The Haitian-Italian designer always presents an interesting collection and is widely considered to be one of fashion’s current top talents to watch.

The show was titled The Portrait Versus the Mask. There was a live choral accompaniment as the models walking down the catwalk. There were some beautiful, printed and embroidered pieces presented.

African-inspired embroidered patterns translated into the Western world and applied over mid-length skirts, jackets, coats along. A highly interesting item was a pair of fur sandals covered with transparent covers.

Some beautiful jewellery by the designer Elisabetta Cipriani accompanied the pieces. Backstage, the makeup by MAC Cosmetics senior artist Michele Magnani was kept somewhat neutral and almost imperfect with the use of clumpy mascara paired with glossy eyes and lips and touches of highlighter.

www.carolinefashionstyling.com