Milan Fashion Week: My Picks

By Jennifer Ennis

Milan Fashion Week is almost over meaning we are three quarters of the way through Fashion Season (and the best is yet to come with Paris about to start!). Each week brought very different themes - New York went for wearable classics, London took a few more fashion risks and Milan went for stunning timeless pieces with a main emphasis on evening wear.

Here are my favourites...

1) Moschino Cheap & Chic
Moschino Cheap & Chic injected some fun in to their AW collection with a lavish party in the firm's new hotel in Vaile Monte Grappa. Titled 'Maison Moschino', guests were treated to champagne and canapes in an extended tent in the hotel's reception while models circled around wearing the collection and pretending to be fellow 'hotel guests' in different characters complete with bags and luggage! The collection itself was incredibly strong and a firm favourite of mine. I would wear pretty much all of it! I particulary loved the party dresses, over sized coats, laced up boots and skinny trousers.

Blumarine
Designer Anna Molinari's new collection is for the powerful, seductive woman who doesn't have to try. Clothes were figure hugging including minidresses and calf boots in fabrics like leather and suede. Molinari's zebra patterned prints and accessories stood out for me as did her leather trenches. She used a number of other animal prints including crocodile and python to create a collection that was stunning, eye catching, completely wearable and explains just why Blumarine's sales have been rocketing in recent months.

Alberta Ferretti
We move from sexy Blumarine to the beautiful Alberta Ferretti. This season, Ferretti stuck with her signature fabrics of chiffon and satin for a collection that was incredibly pleasing on the eye. Dresses were sophisticated in soft nude and black colours. There was a good mix of lengths from short to mid length to the stunning red-carpet long gowns that are sure to be making appearances this season. The crystal sparkles just added to the simplicity and beauty of the collection showing that Ferretti's unique and classic forumla is a winning one.

Emilio Pucci
Designer Peter Dundas is gathering a firm following among the younger fashionistas this weather with everyone from Fergie from Black Eyed Peas to Kristen Stewart wearing his minidresses to big events. His new collection featured a good number of said minidresses but there was also a longer hippier feel to it. Classic bright colours were darkened to blacks, blues, golds and purples. There was a large bohemian element to the dresses and tailoring was given a slightly more masculine feel. The prints were still very pretty and it was a very strong and desirable collection.

Now the countdown begins to Paris and my beloved Balmain, Stella McCartney, Chanel, Isabel Marant, Givenchy, Elie Saab, YSL, Lanvin (I could keep going here, it is by far my favourite week) and the creative mastermind that was the wonderful Alexander McQueen. It is going to be a brilliant week and I cannot wait!

All images from style.com