Milan: Day one

By Susie Sheffman

Shown: Just Cavalli Fall 2008. Photography by Peter Stigter.

Can someone please tell me how it’s possible that I’ve been in Italy for a mere 12 hours and have already eaten pasta twice? Say ciao bella to my low-carb plan for the week! But on to why I’m really here–the clothes!

Hit the ground running as the shows started almost immediately after I landed. Managed to fit in a quick blitz around the golden triangle to check out my favorite Milan haunts: Marni, Miu Miu and Prada.

Then, on to the shows. First up, Just Cavalli. A youthful romp through the late ’60s. Think majorly long, super-skinny Lurex knits, a hodge podge mix of tweed, tartan, leopard and florals, Breck-girl hair, floppy hats and pants ranging from bell-bottoms to palazzos. Even a pair of culottes thrown into the mix. Yes, you read me right, culottes made an appearance on the runway. It was my grade three wardrobe all over again, right down to the same pink, tan and black plaid bell-bottoms I begged my mom for! See photos from this show.

On to the best Missoni show I’ve ever seen. All luxe sportswear layers, topped off with boxy coats and cloaks. Loved the slouchy, mannish trousers, the abstract leaf prints and cool colour mixes (think turquoise and brown and add a splash of green). Eveningwear was heavily embellished with crystals and ruffles galore, but it was the daywear that got me going! Badly want the colour-block knit gloves and skinny turtlenecks! See photos from this show.

Moschino Cheap and Chic is always quirky and young with awesome accessories. This time around the collection boasted Lurex tights, ginormous pendant necklaces, bow-tied gloves and kerchiefs and London Bobby hats that, along with coordinated check pantsuits, channeled a ’60s Carnaby Street vibe. Lots of ruffles, paillettes, bright colours and over-the-knee boots. See photos from this show.

Since it’s Sunday, front-row eds were decidedly dressed down, but many were sporting fur in the way of vests and chubbies.

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