Milan Fashion Week - Versace SS 2013

Donatella Versace described the SS 2013 Versace man as a "tough pugilist champion” who is part Rocky, part Elvis and part Mr. T”. From the start it was clear that the well-toned, muscled models would be the most exciting part of the show. Although to be fair it provided an excellent excuse to re-launch their new range of underwear and swimwear. It felt like someone had turned the camp-o-meter all the way up, models took to the runway with their gelled quiffs and decked in gold medallions and wrestling belts. Sleeveless double breasted jackets in metallic fabrics were toughened up with wide leg trousers. The psychedelic floral print jeans paired with Versace’s iconic key print on long t-shirts and parkas were a definite nod to the 90s. Some of the stronger pieces in the collection were the broderie anglaise (english embroidered) fitted sports jacket and the gladiator/sneaker hybrid shoes. Excess and indulgence are words that have always been associated with Versace and it’s newest collection was no exception.  

Spring Edit 2012 - Print Mania

Another trend to watch out for this Spring will be prints. The wilder and more colourful the better. From picturesque florals to daring animal prints there will be something for every fashionisto out there. I’m currently in love with Givenchy’s Bird of Paradise prints, especially on the trouser featured below as well as Jil Sander’s snake print t-shirt.

My advice? Be brave! The easiest way to work with prints is to mix them with bold block colours. Layering is another great tool if you want to break down a look with prints. So take a leap and you might be surprised with what you come up with. Have a look at my Print Mania cheat-sheets below for some inspiration.

Images via: Style.com

Spring Edit 2012 - Sporty/Formal

One of the key trends this spring will be fusing sportswear and more formal pieces together. So look out for high tech, lightweight fabrics being mixed with more traditional tailored jackets as seen at Mugler and Lanvin. Also bare in mind that shorts will become much shorter, especially those with the confidence to work this daring look. The look and feel for this spring is much more relaxed and playful so don’t be afraid to mix colours and layer different textures. I’m especially loving the way Dolce and Gabbana have experimented with lightweight mesh t-shirt and shorts. Here’s hoping that we’ll have the perfect weather to compliment this bold fashion statement!

Milan Fashion Week - Versace Fall 2012

Versace’s Fall collection was a return to what made the iconic fashion house so popular in the first place. Donatella went back to the days of Miami glamour and excess. The collection went from Versace’s signature studded denim and leather to psychedelic floral patterned jackets with fur trim. It had a definite 90s feel to it as seen in the boxy silhouette of the suits and jackets and the denim on denim combos.

Some of the stand-out pieces for me were the suits with contrasting pinstripes in pink and the sky blue cardigan with a matching fur collar. The Swarovski-embroidered blazers added a real sense of glamour to the collection.

Versace’s collection was probably one of the most daring and adventurous shows of Milan Fashion Week, I love the way they toe the line between garish and gorgeous so effortlessly. I feel that Donatella produced a collection that every die-hard Versace fan will be anxiously waiting for.