And my top ten are ...
10. Diesel Black Gold. I've been a BIG Diesel fan for a long time now. I remember like back in grade 9, like 6 years ago, when most of my jeans were from Diesel. I LOVED them to death. hahh. Now, I still have some Diesel pieces here and there in my closet. And one thing I love the most about Diesel is that it is VERY AFFORDABLE and the quality is great. With their Italian debut during MFW, Diesel Black Gold brought a youthful, elegant-grunge-like (<whatever that means. Hahh.) edgy look in this collection. Sweater knits and stripe-patterned pleated trousers were a big part of the night finishing of with a combination of jackets and vests.
9. Dolce & Gabbana. Lux, lux, LUXUARY! From black Sicilian capes to gold embroidery, the entire collection was very "Baroque influenced." It was everything from beautifully patterned silk pyjamas to that famous Dolce & Gabbana black suit that everyone knows and loves. And lets not forget those floppy bow-ties. Very well put together.
8. Calvin Klein. Another great collection for those cold winter days. Right! This time Mr. Zucchelli, described the collection as "an urban inspired take on timeless sportswear essentials." Relaxed tailored suits to over-sized jackets and coats. Keeping the cold in mind, he used fabrics such as cashmere, alpaca, mohair with touches of luxurious alligator for that leather look and went light with the colouring using camels, navy's, greys with hints of blacks. Very geometric at times but still keeping it with in the border lines of what Calvin Klein stands for. OhMyGosh I want that alligator crew neck. Thank you. :)
7. Frankie Morello. I have to admit, I'm not really familiar with this brand. BUT this collection was CRAZY!!! All the studded work which was done perfectly on the blazers. This collection started of with suits and jackets that were just BANGING with studs and spikes of all sorts. After we were introduced to tribal patterns, where the browns and camels took play. Very exotic-tribal like prints paired with charming, moccasin-like boots. The exotic prints were done in a more casual wardrobe such as shorts, t-shirts, and light jacket and sweaters. I thought it was just DOPE!!!
6. Bottega Veneta. Perfect tailoring from head to toe. That's what Mr. Maier is known for and he did not disappoint keeping his reputation as the designer that makes perfect silhouettes. Graphic shapes making the jackets and coats. And the use of leather in every look was done perfectly. Keeping the colours complementary and very limited, brought the whole collection together. It's just the right fit.
5. Vivienne Westwood. I've been such a fan of her ever since I bought this Vivienne Westwood jacket 2 years ago from Asos.com. The clothing line is really great. For fall-winter 2012, Westwood, did a mix of her original quirky designs with pieces that are more elegant and conservative. Layers of over-sized outerwear worn over shirts and sweaters, really gives the collection a playful fall look. Crazy patterns make up shirts, pants and coats. She also used patterns on her suits, keeping it clean but with a touch of boldness.
4. Dsquared². Toronto natives Dan and Dean, took fall-winter into a whole new place. It was all about going back to school this time. I've been a fan of these two not only because they are from Toronto but because I actually really like the clothes they create. It's so well thought out, and really fun to play around with. This year they used everything from leather jackets, sweatshirts, button-downs and sweater vests to cover for the casual side and then transitioned in to polished looks such as suits but still kept it very fun with sequins and of course their well-known jeans.
3. Versace . I'm a big Donatella fan. Her creativity is really phenomenal. For fall-winter 2012, she killed the runway starting of with suits done in studs then transitioned into more casual wear using various denims. She then added some colour with her AMAZING RED LOOKS. Red trench coats put together with bottoms complimenting the red. Then we saw another look, floral camouflage jackets and pants worn with leather boots. To finish the night, we saw glitz and glamour, beautifully crafted sequined evening wear to make the perfect suit for the night out.
2. Roberto Cavalli. My second favorite collection from MFW. Because? He took risks! Knowing Roberto, he does not usually take big risks, and I think he went over his comfort zone with this collection, but it ReeaallllyyyyyPaiiiddddOfffffffffff!!! With outerwear being his main focus. Tailored evening wear to over-sized playful pieces, a collection to never forget.
1. Jil Sander. Of course my number 1 pick from Milan Fashion Week would HAVE to be Jil Sander. Raf Simmons, the man behind the collection, created everything from sleek leather suits to voluminous leather coats, the collection was on top of my "risk-taker" radar. Everything had a really cool vibe to it. Keeping it very minimal with the fabric and colour choices, black and leather were all over the collection. Raf Simmons approach to leather was very well thought out with this line, keeping it sleek or with lots of volume, every piece was executed very finely in my opinion. That's why it is number 1 on my top 10 collections from Milan Fashion Week.
