Milan Fashion Week: The Trends

Milano. The only fashion week that brings us high glamour, sex appeal and lots and lots of detail, maximalist style. This season we were treated to some of the most hottest trends and exciting fashions from the likes of Miuccia Prada, Dolce and Gabbana and Jil Sander. Prints, skin-tight dresses and attention to detail was absoulutly amazing with many suprises along the way. Once, again Milan proved why they are on the fashion radar and are so highly respected all over world.

So, what trends emerged? Pastels, icy whites and prints were all hits on the catwalk as were seen at New York and London. Colour was pretty subdued and delicate, consisting of white as the main tone of choice as was seen at Gianfranco Ferre and Salvatore Ferragamo. Prints were pasiley and Arabian looking with Etro and Pucci rocking the trend with sweeping silhuottes and intricate scarves. Italian and beautiful. Logos also were big at Milan, with Versace, Fendi and Pucci showcasing their iconic brand identities on jackets, bags and belts, which was also a trend seen at New York. I'm not a huge fan of this emerging trend but it will be interesting to see if the high street stores pick up on it.

A more sporty silhoutte was also on offer in Milan. Gucci, a brand known for high gamour and volumtious designs, gave us a very sport orientated collection with sportswear influences. Straps, sheer materials and loose dresses all featured in the show with Frida Giannini stating, 'I wanted to come back with my abs,' which she certainly did with models baring their toned tummies underneath sheer fabrics.

And where would fashion be without the wonderful Miuccia Prada? Mrs Prada likes to shock  and indeed thrill, which she certainly did with this current collection. Huge faces appeared on coats and dresses in bright yellows, reds and blues. Coats were big and adorned with jewels, bras were dazzaling and were worn over dresses and sporty socks (think high school netball team) were knee length and white. As with every Prada show, it takes a while to actually consume all the high fashion presented to you by Miuccia, but once understood and analysed, the clothes are beautiful and unique. There are no other designers like Miuucia Prada. Fact.

Dolce and Gabbana, (my favourite designers if you didn't know that already) gave us yet again an amazing show, swimming with sensuality and Italian heritage. Inspired by ancient Roman ruins and the rich heritage of Italy, the show was a flash of gold and black with hair swept up in elegant chignons and shoes decorated heavily with jewels and prints. Bellissimo! Dsquared2 was another collection that was high on glamour with references to the 1950's and calypso style of the Caribbean. As ever, shorts were very short and clevages were big, but Dsquared2 always succeeds in bringing the fun and passion to fashion.

As for the minimalists, Jil Sander, Bottega Veneta and Giorgio Armani gave tailored, luxurious collections which were totally wearable and wonderful. Armani went for his usual pallette of midnight blues, violets and whites with lovely dresses and taliored jackets that shone on the catwalk. Summery skirts floated in the breeze while clutches were silkily, delicate. Jil Sander experimented with monochrome prints and went for daring dresses with deep plunging necklines.

Milan was indeed wonderful with some truly amazing fashion moments. Next stop - Paris. The fashion capital of the world will surely offer up some beautiful collections with the likes of Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton taking centre stage. Will Hedi Slimane go for the whole rock chick vibe again? Will Celine reinvent the knee length skirt, which was such a huge hit for fall 2013? The answers will emerge this week so stay tuned and keep your fashion eyes peeled...