Gucci, MaxMara, Roberto Cavalli and more at MFW 16

 GUCCI

It's fair to say that this Milan fashion week, Gucci was the big show everyone didn't want to miss. Alessandro Michele didn't disappoint either. Following on from his last couple of seasons at Gucci, the geek chic revival continued in style. Chiffon multi-coloured dresses, cute little tweed suits with the Gucci colours, logo mania, bright colours colliding with prints and patterns... just another day in the life of Michele. I would have though that maybe he would have mixed things up a little bit, perhaps changing his theme slightly. But no, Gucci stuck with what has made them one of the hottest houses in fashion - the geeky, gender fluid look. I love it, I really do, but how long this can continue for without getting boring I don't know.

MAXMARA

I really enjoyed this MaxMara show which was tropical, sexy and quite fun. From the exotic, palm prints to the high waisted black trousers and skinny belts, this show was very different to the usual MaxMara we are used to seeing. First of all, there weren't many coats, and seeing as this is spring/summer it does make sense. Secondly, there was print, different silhouettes, black visors and a real sense of sportswear - something we're not used to seeing at Maxmara at all. Gigi Hadid stepped out in a soft grey sweater, Mica Arganaraz wore a billowing white tiger cape while Taylor Hill wore all black head to toe.

ROBERTO CAVALLI

This season, Peter Dundas revived the 1970s, but in classic Roberto Cavalli style. More was more on the catwalk yesterday, with sumptuous layers, patchwork denim, sheer maxi dresses, patterned neck ties and plenty of print; something that Dundas does very well. I loved the stripes on pretty Bardot tops and trousers, as well as the long sweeping lines of the dresses, decorated with embellished necklines. It was fun, fearless and exciting!

 PHILIP PLEIN

I don't usually pay much attention to Philip Plein even though he usually has a steller class of models and plenty of glamour. This season however, he caught my eye for the outlandish references to the 80s, the sexy mini skirts and frayed denim and his use of amazing accessories. The show opened with Isabel Goulart and continued with a lot of skin on show, a little trashy at times, but then this is Milan Fashion Week, in the nicest sense. At the end of the show, Plein drove down the catwalk in his very own car. Not bad I have to say.. 

ALBERTA FERRETI

Wow, what a beautiful show. So feminine and pretty, but then that is what Alberta Ferreti does best season after season. Bella Hadid looked ravishing in a flamenco style purple skirt, as did Isabelli Fontana in a draped black suit cinched in tightly at the waist with a big belt. I loved the Spanish references with all the layers of fabric on skirts and dresses, as well as the pops of blue and red against black. There was a lot of black, which was surprising for spring/summer, with some nice white pieces too. If anything, I would describe this show as dramatic and very Mediterranean in flavour and style. Again, necklines were embellished as seen at Roberto Cavalli too. But overall, a wonderful show and a favourite of mine so far.

MFW: Fendi, Cavalli, Prada, Pucci and more...

Prada

Everyone waits for Prada at Milan Fashion Week. What will Miuccia do next? well for fall 2016, she went all sailor girl on us with models wearing Navy-esque hats and matching blue coats. There was still plenty of grunge in the form of long leather coats, tie up booties, patterned tights and fur rimmed jackets. Coats were fastened with pretty laces at the front, while the pop of red lipstick and slick hair only added to the Prada appeal. Prada do ugly chic. And there's no denying that this show was extremely ugly, but in a good way. I loved the leather gloves and side satchel bags which swung on the hip, as well as the use of floral prints.

Moschino

Jeremy Scott sent a burning dress down the Moschino catwalk this evening. Yes, a burning dress with smoke billowing out of it. A statement maybe that the fashion industry is a burn out... Anyway, apart from that little spectacle this Moschino show was trashy, tacky and AMAZING! From the mini leather skirts and 80s style blouses to the heeled boots and logo-tastic belts, it was all out New York hipster. There was enough sex appeal in the form of shiny hats and boots yet also enough luxury high fashion, I can imagine some of those coats will cost well over £4000. Lipsticks, teddy bears and maximal effect.

Emilio Pucci

To think that when Peter Dundas was at Emilio Pucci it was so glamorous and red carpet ready. Now thanks to Massimo Giorgetti of MSGM fame, Pucci has become extremely modern and very sporty. Geometric sport shapes took center stage today, with splashes of abstract colour on dresses and bomber jackets. PUCCI was emblazoned onto shiny tops, v neck dresses were loose and unstructured while the use of reds, khakis and blue were used boldly. They were colours which shouldn't have gone together but they did, so well.

Fendi

Oh Fendi, you do make my heart sing. I absolutely loved this collection from Silvia Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld. I felt as though I could wear every single piece, and so many coats, boots and fur gilets are going to be on so many fashion editors must have lists for next season. It was big and beautiful, exactly what we love about Fendi, except maybe if you're anti-fur as there was a lot of it for fall 2016. Kendall Jenner opened the show (as Lagerfelds current muse) wearing a black and white stole attached to a navy coat, followed by a host of wonderful pieces. Blue was a key colour, toned down with navy and purified with baby blue shades on leather trousers and fluffy wool jumpers. 

Frills were everywhere, around necklines, on sleeves and even on handbags while the use of colour was bold and brilliant. Lagerfeld always references Fendi's past and their love of fur, so there was a lot of beautiful fur gilets, overcoats and accessories in this collection, adding a lot of glamour. The shoes were particularly interesting, worn with what looked like leather socks. They were extremely pretty and very frilly. A truly wonderful collection from the Italian masters.

MaxMara
What do you think of when you hear MaxMara? Nine times out of ten, it is their classic camel coat. This season however, it was hard to spot one. There were coats, plenty of them in long duster and mid length styles, as MaxMara updated their look this season, using racy body suits and sheer fishnet tights to create a sense of sex appeal. The black gloves and lipstick only added to the vampy look, which was very 1920s cabaret. Large stripes were featured on pockets, fur stoles and mohair jumpers, while polished, sophistication of MaxMara was still very much present.

Roberto Cavalli
Peter Dundas worked his magic once again for Roberto Cavalli, with an electrifying show. Since leaving Emilio Pucci, Dundas has been making waves for Cavalli with his glamorous, jet set style; perfect for all those Milanese fashioninstas (sorry to use that expression!) It was very 70s, with bohemian layering, floaty chiffon maxi dresses, scarves draped casually around the neck and flared trousers. Models looked sexy in satin gowns and velvet suiting, lace paneled dresses and sheer body suiting dripping in beige jewels. I loved the smoky eye make up and snakeskin boots.

Alberta Ferreti
Set on a dimly lit catwalk with a forest backdrop, this Alberta Feretti show was delicate and hauntingly beautifully. As always,there were lots of stunning silk dresses in soft burgundy and beige yet this season the classic slip dress was given a sexy revival in satin fabrics. Satin was used a lot throughout, on a bold red dress, white fur jumpsuit and even a matching green pyjama top and bottom. But really it was the attention to detail which made this collection stand out. Metallic coats looked as though they were made with Italian love, beading on sheer dresses were exquisite while the simple make up and clipped back hair only added to the purity of this show. A nice break from all the va-va voom glamour.

MFW: Bottega Veneta, Dsquared2, Cavalli and more!

Dsquared2
This was a celebration of colour at Dsquared with neon bright's, fun  accessories and 80s nostalgia. It was a little tribal in some places and then back to the 1980's heyday with funky patterned leggings, loud mini skirts and tiny bikinis perfect for the summer. As always with Dsquared, you  no you're basically being invited to a huge party and their collections never fail to disappoint those fans who love all things glamourous and eccentric, such as those puffy skirts made from duchess satin in bold pink and blue. A really great show which put a smile on my face. And my fav model Alessandra Ambrosio made an appearance in a blue and pink striped mini dress!

Jil Sander
I am not a big fan of Jill Sander and never have been even when the great Raf Simmons was creative director of the brand.  This season again played with a very minimal colour pallet in neutral tones and beiges, with each model wearing a hat which at first reminded me of classic Vietnam dress - not sure if it was meant to be taken that way! I don't really know what to say about this show as I don't pay much attention to boring fashion, but included it just because it's such a major fashion brand at MFW, and I'm sure there are plenty of Jil fans out there.

Roberto Cavalli

This was the first  Roberto Cavalli collection under the new creative direction of Peter Dundas, previously the king of prints at Emilio Pucci. Anything that this genius of a designer touches seems to just instantly be a smash hit, and his debut for Roberto Cavalli has only received positive feedback so far. I loved it, and I'm sure Mr Cavalli himself will be so too. It was very 80s with leopard print, boxy jackets and tie-dye mini dressed and also super feminine, with floaty numbers in pastel colours and plenty of material trailing behind the models as they walked. I loved the rufells and soft vibe of the show, even though it has a tough, sexy edge that only Dundas can create. 

Bottega Veneta 

I absolutely loved this show! And also the fact that a number of the old supermodels featured in it, such as Isabelli Fontana, Carmen Pedaru, Kasia Struss and Joan Smalls. Thomas Maier knows how to make a women feel powerful, strong and stylish as well as beautiful and this collection did exactly that. The khaki shades and lovely neutral tones added glamour and sophistication as did the fiery leopard print and the super cool bomber jackets. For Bottega it was quite youthful but yet so glamorous. The creasing in the fabrics were divine and the whole styling of the show was really spot on.

#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.

Millan Fashion Week: Day 3

Moschino
You can always rely on Jeremy Scott to provide some much needed fun at fashion week. Compared to the Barbie doll extravaganza as seen last season, this show was centered around the Looney Tunes instead. The collection started with bright puffa jackets in primary colours, which gave way to graffiti dresses, sports shirts, gold chains and a sense of 90's glam via the New York streets. And with medallions with Tweety Pie's face, Bugs Bunny jackets and Daffy Duck dresses, this collection couldn't help but make you smile!

Prada
Some describe Miuccia's style as 'Ugly Chic,' and this show was no different. The boxy buttoned jackets, a favourite of Prada, came in icy blue and pastel pink, trousers were cropped at the ankle and flared giving way to big boots. Little pinafore dresses were decorated with delicate brooches of flowers, dragon flies and insects. If anything, this was more of a spring collection rather than one for winter. And as for the gloves, which are turning into a big thing for next winter, they were extremely long, creeping up the arm almost to the shoulder.

Just Cavalli
The younger, fresher, more fun version of the Roberto Cavalli chain delivered plenty of fashion moments yesterday. I love this label because it represents the young Italian women, who is not yet old enough to fit into the immaculate, Milanese luxury lady of leisure. Models walked down the catwalk with wet hair and minimal make up. While for the clothes, there was fur, tassels, mini puff ball skirts, parka coats and high glam. Very va va voom.

MaxMara
A brand best known for their coats delivered a show full of... coats! Opened by Gigi Hadid, this show was beautiful and very lady like. With a classic 50's spin, camel and beige wool coats were paired with boxy handbags and knee length skirts. I loved the 'sexy secretary' look of the whole thing, with cats eye sunglasses and bobbed hair cuts. Models strolled down the catwalk with their arms folded strongly across their chests, perhaps warding off the soon to come winter chill.

Alberta Ferretti
Folky and a tad Tudor, this Alberta Ferretti show was whimsical and romantic. The prints were strong in red, gold and green while patterns had a 70's feel about them, plenty of intertwined flowers and embroidered skirts. There were plenty of frills and lace details on dresses, while models' hair was loose and gently curled adding to the soft theme of the collection. As always, very feminine.

Fendi
I loved this show! It was pristine, very sculptural, minimal and elegant. Pristine white coats, white shirts, white skirts... it was a wash out. But then came colour. Tan, burgundy, grey and cream were geometrically placed next to each other in a patchwork kind of effect. Leather tops and skirts were laser cut dead straight and had over sized pockets which highlighted the craftsmanship of Fendi. Skirts were pretty short and boots were chunky and furry. One of my highlights of MFW.

Gucci
Since Frida Giannini left the brand at the start of this year, Gucci has received a massive overhaul in the form of new creative director, Allessandro Michele. Gone are the sexy leather skirts, the 70's boho chic, the amazing crocodile skin coats and of course, that effortless Italian luxe style only Gucci can do. This 'new' Gucci is more androgynous, more dark and definitely more youthful with a nod to the urban street culture. I think everyone was a little shocked at this collection, but everything always changes in fashion and we'll just have to get used to this new Gucci.