Armani, Versace and Etro at Milan Fashion Week Day 3

 GIORGIO ARMANI

I always like Armani, especially the colours, fabrics and overall mood of his shows. There are always midnight blues, metallic silvers, sheer dresses and at least 1 pyjama suit somewhere. This season was the same as always. Lady like jackets, silk midi dresses, soft colours and a real sense of luxury. I loved all the intricate detailing on tops and mini dresses as well as the relaxed flat sandals, paired with very dressy ensembles. In classic Armani style there was a stylish turban and plenty of loose trousers tied at the waist with a silk tie. 

VERSACE

Naomi Campbell, Adriana Lima, Irina Shayk, Jourdan Dunn, Edie Campbell... Donatella's list was endless with high profile models she called in to walk in her latest Versace show. Set to a punchy soundtrack and a strobe lighting along a V shaped catwalk, this spring/summer show was classically sexy, very sporty and of course, glamorous. Black was used as a key colour with flashes of colour across jogging tops and trousers, complete with super high heels. Green was used a lot as were purple and patchwork patterns on midi dresses and crop tops. Another high voltage Versace show!

ETRO

 Etro are renowned for their use of exotic prints, usually paisley patterns and lots of swirls. This season, stripes were added into the mix, in black and white on skirts, shirts and jackets. There were still plenty of Arabian style patterns in burnt oranges, soft purple and beige, with some great options for evening too. Etro is very much your go to designer if you're holidaying in Cannes and need a wardrobe to see you through elegant dinners, stylish yacht parties and trips to the beach. I always fall in love with the Mediterranean style they present season after season. I lusted over the black cape tied at front with a clasp as well as the lovely pieces towards the end which featured tan knee high boots and sandals.

SPORTMAX

Not one of my favourite collections so far at Milan Fashion Week, but nevertheless a good show. Very similar in colour and print to the MaxMara show staged yesterday, this collection was sporty, relaxed and had a touch of Celine about it - more specifically some of those draped dresses. Taylor Hill opened the show in an electric blue midi dress with black detailing, while the whole show focused on loose silhouettes and monochrome. Not my style particularly, but it will no doubt please the Sportmax customer. 

Loving Everything Etro

I think of the Italian fashion label Etro as a kind of unsung fashion hero. Its not on the same scale as other Italian greats - Prada, Versace, Gucci, Fendi etc, yet this label has got the heritage, beauty and overall appeal to give even the big guns a run for their money. Known for their love of prints, paisley to be precise, Etro continually show beautiful, enchanting and quite bohemian collections season after season, establishing themselves as the go to designer for hippy chic dressing. I have always loved Etro for their clever colour combinations and effortless style. But is their spring/summer 2014 show which will stand out as my all time favourite of theirs.

I don't mean to harper on about the past, seeing as we are currently in spring/summer 2016, but the spring 2014 international collections in my opinion was one of the best seasons ever. I loved each and every show through NY, London, Milan and Paris and could see myself in all of the wonderful clothes on show. During Milan Fashion Week though, it was Etro who stole my imagination. Creative Director Veronica Etro delivered a show full of Arabian influences, with layers of soft silks tied and draped around the body, bright lemon yellows and bold reds, all the while sending out each and every model with a naturally radiant look about them. Since Etro was established in 1968 by Gerolamo Etro, textiles and his beloved patterns have helped the luxury label soar into mainstream fashion. All these years later, I could have literally brought the whole collection, and happily worn it while holidaying in Cannes or somewhere just as glamorous. 

Andreea Diaconu opened the show in a stunning pastel printed skirt and shirt, followed by the likes of Nadja Bender, Kasia Struss, Daria Strokous, Fei Fei Sun, Magdalena Frackowiak and Malaika Firth all wearing equally as pretty pieces. Off the shoulder dresses nipped in at the waist, floral and leopard prints combined into one, shimmery metallic tops paired with harem pants and 70s inspired maxi dresses all completely captured the spirit of summer. I know it really does depend on who's styling the show in how the clothes come across on the catwalk, but with this show the models could have walked barefoot with no make up on and the garments would have still looked amazing. The Donna Summer soundtrack also added to the relaxed feel of the show with Julia Nobis closing the show in a pastel pink, paisley jumpsuit.When Veronica came out to take her bow, it was truly well deserved and heart felt. 

What I also love about Etro is that it hasn't been sold off to LVMH or Kerring. Instead it is run by the Etro family, with Kean Etro, Jacopo Etro, Veronica Etro and Ippolito Etro all taking control of womenswear, menswear and management. This sense of family and love for beautiful fabrics and heritage shows in each and every Etro collection and I can't wait to see what they conjure up for spring/summer 2017.

Shop the Etro collection at www.etro.com/en_uk/woman/spring-summer-16/ or Net-a-Poter, Harrods and MyTheresa.com.

Versace, Emporio Armani, Sportmax and Etro at MFW

Versace
Gigi, Kendall, Natasha, Adriana, Jourdan, Irina, Mica... the roll call of famous faces at Versace were just rolling down the catwalk. Versace don't usually opt for navy, but this season Donatella was really feeling this colour. It featured on leather jackets, sporty trousers with neon stripes down the side, ankle boots and tailored coats.

Black and baby blue were added, with the mix of shades looking very pretty when worn together. There were a few jackets with large pockets which I completely fell in love with. Amazing. There were quite a few sugary sweet shades on mini dresses and coats, but there was plenty of sex appeal too, as there always is with Versace. Cut out black dresses clung to the body, sunglasses were paired with dominatrix leather coats while barely there slip dresses were a nod to the 90s. There were a number of looks in the middle of the show which looked like an explosion in a neon factory, with the bright colours featuring on suave jumpsuits and mini dresses. The styling was amazing with the sporty headbands worn around the forehead as were the delicate two tone jackets Donatella sent down her runway. One of my favourite Versace shows in recent years. 

Emporio Armani
Giorgio Armani is always a big draw at MFW, especially his diffusion line Emporio Armani. This fall 2016 collection was particularly ground breaking or out of the ordinary, with all the classic Armani-isms present. The bowler hat, black suit with smart brooches, 80s mini dresses and jet set minimalism. The colours used were simple and refined as was the superb styling. It was nice to Armani take inspiration from the 80s hey day he was famous for, with all the geometric mini skirts and satin dresses a nice touch.

Tods
I don't usually pay much attention to Tods, even though I know they are such a respected Italian brand. Yet there was something about this collection which was extremely stylish and interesting. I loved all the beige tones, fur collars and long check coats, as well as the whole retro 70s theme. Models walked with hair simplified with hardly any make up on which was refreshing, and a little different to what we're used to seeing at Milan Fashion Week.

Sportmax
After the fantastic MaxMara show earlier on in the week, I expected this Sportmax show to be just as good. There were sporty stripes and geometric shapes, khaki tones and very loose silhoutees. I loved the mohair jumpers with squiggly lines printed all over them, the slouchy white trousers and shift dresses tied neatly at the front. Stripes are a big thing this season (aren't they always) and after this show, I feel as though they will for autumn/winter 2016 too.

Etro
I have to be honest here, and say that I was a little disappointed with this Etro collection. Usually I adore all the romantic florals, boho chic and sweeping dresses, but this show just seemed a little faded and not very exciting. The opening look of a long duster coat and knitted striped scarf was very un-inspirational, as were many of the dull looks that followed. I did however like the subtle military references on bolero jackets and coats. But not the best show from Etro.

Milan Fashion Week: Day 3 Highlights

Versace
Yes, this was Donatella at her finest. From the first looks worn by supermodel Raquel Zimmermann to the last, closed by Russian model Natasha Poly, this was a show which was classic Versace in every possible way. All short, mini dresses, hot mini skirts and plenty of leopard print. I loved everything about this show, which featured some of my favourite models such as Anna Ewers, Gigi Hadid, Joan Smalls and Hanne Gaby Odiele. From the military inspired khaki looks at the beginning of the show to the swirly, 80's style dresses at the end.

I loved the big belts which cinched in already tiny waists and the strappy sandals, which some models wore with socks, and came creepy up past the ankle in neon yellow, orange and green as well as the bomber jackets in shiny metallic. It was so glossy, even though some may have the cheek to call it tacky. The mini dresses at the end of the show were extremely short and were covered in over-sized, green and yellow leopard and peacock prints. There was just a lot of leg on show, but then what's Versace without a bit of sexy sass? It was one of the best Versace collections I have seen for a while, with plenty of attitude and sexy, structured pieces. A clear highlight from Milan Fashion Week from an absolutely legendary designer: the incredible Donatella Versace.

Emporio Armani
Soft summer sunsets and dusky walks along a deserted beach sprang to mind while watching the Emporio Armani spring/summer 2016 show. All the beautiful colours (mainly pink) romantically merged in together while the sweeping shapes and elegant lines were classic Armani tailoring. It was slouchy, but never loosing the quintessential style the Milanese are known for, with simple t-shirts paired with smart blazers and organza skirts came layered bold necklaces. It was sublime and seamlessly constructed, with stripes again playing a part in the collection. At least we know that stripes will be a thing for next season now. A wonderful show for a man celebrating 40 years in the business.

Etro
I absolutely love this brand, in what seems to be a love affair which grows stronger and stronger each season. Today, Etro was romantic, soft and a little boho in what was a collection which consisted of only the most beautiful, delicate and pretty pieces. I loved the long, flowing floral maxi dresses with 70's gypsy style detailing as well as the lovely colour scheme of purple, burgundy, blue and beige. These shades were muted and elegant; I can imagine the perfect Etro customer wearing such pieces while holidaying in the French Riviera, lounging on their yacht anchored out at sea. Definitely one of my favourite shows, just because if I was rich enough I would snap everything up straight away!

  
Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini 
Reminiscent of the peasant girl beauty of Alberta Ferreti and Valentino, this show by Lorenzo Serafini was lovely and pretty. The clothes which consisted of silk white shirts, sheer layers of black lace gowns, ruffled gowns which bared the legs, white shorts and plenty of blue paired with less bold colours. I loved the dungarees and the white midi dresses which came in small, intricate patterns and cinched in waists. And with supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio closing the show wearing a black, strapped silk dress and a pair of black patent boots, this collection was a huge success.

  
Blumarine
I always feel that Blumarine and their sister label, Bluegirl tend to go quite unnoticed on the international fashion scene, even though they are a respected brand which have been going for quite a while. I enjoyed their show today, which was soft in the use of pastel colours but also harsh in their dramatic black capes, sheer dresses and coats. I loved the floral embellishment on dresses as well as the prints on skirts and tops, which featured soft stripes and graphic roses in an array of bright colours. The transparent chiffon skirts which were covered in clever embroidery were so pretty as were the minimally constructed jackets with two large pockets on the front. A lovely show.

  
Sportmax
Punchy, bold, bright, on point... I could go on forever with complimentary words, but this collection from Sportmax was so sleek and sharp that it was quite impossible to ignore. Black and white were paired with bold blues, yellows and oranges, with soft patent leather playing a big part on coats, shirts and skirts.  It was graphic in that not a spot was out of place and everything was cut to such a precise angle that it did make quite a statement, reminding me a little of the sharpness of Fendi. I loved the sleekness of the show, it was rich and luxurious and reminded me a little bit of a paint palette in how organised and neat the colours and over-sized shapes were. The only thing I wasn't too keen on was the shoes which were so clunky and big that they didn't go with the whole look of the clothes. But nevertheless, I actually preferred this show to MaxMara yesterday - but don't tell anyone!

#MFW - Versace, Pucci, Etro and more...

Dsquared2

There was a Navajo cum military theme happening at Dsquared for their fall 2015 show. Dean and Dan Caten certainly kept up their reputation as 'more is more' kings of Milan, but mixed cultures and shapes together to create something a lot more interesting. The brocade jackets with gold frogging were very stylish, the fur stoles and gilets perfectly complimented the khaki undertones and the colourful poncho's were lovely too.

Emilio Pucci

Not as chic as past Pucci shows, yet Peter Dundas knows exactly what his customer wants to wear. The monochrome jumpsuits which opened the show had a psychedelic 60's feel about them which gave way to classic roll necks and flared trousers. I loved the glamorous dresses worn by Joan Smalls and Gigi Hadid, while the emergence of capes on the Pucci catwalk added a touch of drama. Mr Emilio Pucci was first and foremost the 'Prince of Prints' and no show is complete with out them. I loved the pink and black ones at the end of the collection.

Roberto Cavalli 

Etro 

This show had a Moorish, Arabian them with some beautiful colours seeping through the collection. There was a little bit of metallic shimmer and a touch of riviera chic with black sunglasses and patchwork clutch bags which was lovely to see in Milan. But it was the earthy colours which stood out for me. This was a real Autumnal show with all the necessary ingredients for Winter. Navy, gold, burnt orange, tan, yellow... the colours spoke for themselves.

Emporio Armani 

Versace 

Fashionably charged, high in glamour, sexy and sophisticated...Donatella Versace lived up to the iconic name of Versace once again with a fab show full of some signature pieces. I loved the clingy midi dresses inspired by Ancient Greek, the huge silver belts which cinched in waists and of course, the dramatically wonderful trademark dresses in popping yellows and pinks. The sheer black looks at the end of the show were embellished in brightly coloured letters sewn onto sleeves and around the skirt area; a clear nod that these dresses will be seen everywhere next season on magazines covers and editorials alike. A really amazing show which sums up the glam of Milan Fashion Week.

Etro spring 2014!!

Paisley prints, Arabian influences and Italian style. In a nutshell, Etro was absolutely divine this after noon with all the right qualities of elegance and Milanese chic. Etro is famous for its prints and bold colours, yet this was a show that shone with glamour and practically oozed with beautiful paisley prints that could have come straight out of a Saudi Arabian palace. 

Pastels led the way with jumpsuits, skirts and dresses in minty greens and luxurious lemons colours. Waists were drawn in with tiny belts that highlighted the models figure and draped fabric in all the right places. Scarves were worn around the neck with heavy necklaces and earrings adding to the rich display of colours, captivating the front row of eager editors and buyers.  Hair and make up was kept natural, blow dried and sumptuous with bronzed cheeks and billowing hair - well this is Milan fashion week. Frankly, I could go on forever about this wonderful collection and could quite easily snap up every piece, if I was indeed rich enough. Sumptous, beautiful and strong... That's the Etro woman.