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.  

Milan Fashion Week: Burberry Prorsum SS 2013

If there is one fashion house who truly understand the meaning of re-invention, it would have to be Burberry. Christopher Bailey’s Spring Summer collection, titled, Come Rain or Shine showed a step in a more glitzy direction for the 156 year old global brand. Rather than focussing on the heavy-weight parkas and trench coats they are known for, Bailey explored lightweight cabans in vibrant metallic silks. Suits were cut in dark seersucker fabrics with a silhouette slightly more relaxed than SS12. Micro-ikat and geometric diamond prints in washed-out hues appeared on bomber jackets and long-shirts paired with metallic skinny jeans. The metallic fabrics also found their way into the accessories too as seen in the leather iPad cases and summer carrier bags. Bi-colour bomber jackets in  vibrant satin and metallic leather tones ended the show on a high note. Bailey succeeded in presenting a collection that teetered expertly along the lines of taste without falling head first into vulgarity. 

Images via HommeModel