Milan Men's Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2014

Dolce & Gabbana's Kings of Fashion

Milan has not brought the flurry of changes to menswear as anticipated almost every year, with most designers managing to keep their signature aesthetic but struggling to progress. Maybe the toll of 2013's undoubtably spectacular collections has come down on the designers, and they have nothing to prove except the quality of their garments rather than displaying the flashiness that can be achieved in men's fashion design, who knows. But of course, a few have emerged as victorious in pushing their label forward whilst sticking to their famed focus on quality, ethos and aesthetic.

Calvin Klein is now on board for the logo-mania trend

Predictably, most of the trends shown during London Collections: Men have flowed right into the collections of Italian designers, including a heavy accentuation on scarves, the re-emergence of plaid - likely to be a bouncing off of the gingham trend within womenswear thanks to Céline, beatnik turtlenecks and statement sweaters, particularly Calvin Klein, all featuring names of popular perfumery within their brand.

Salvatore Ferragamo finale

The colour selections of various Italian designers seemed mundanely uniform, all splashing shades of blue, woody browns and shocking reds throughout their collections, with Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci achieving this without desperation to bring attention to their collection, unlike a few designers. Black is obviously an essential within the Winter wardrobe, and hints of gold, both shiny and matte, were seen in MSGM and Vivienne Westwood, and more so in the garments of the Kings of Style of Milan; Dolce & Gabbana.

Backstage at the Gucci show

Themes amongst the collections are a given, and for this season the most prominent was old country western and royalty. The wild, wild west was apparent in the collections of Versace - baring more than the eye could handle, Missoni, Philipp Plein and subtly throughout John Varvatos's clothing. But even despite this, no clear relevance can be disseminated - is it just spectacle for the sake of spectacle? Or is this theme simply an honour to the recent Chanel Métiers d'Art show? I hardly think crotchless leather chaps will make a comeback. Maybe Missoni's ponchos will emerge as the only trend to be taken on from this theme, as fashion consumers focus on wearability and lifetime nowadays. Besides, cowboys were outshone by the Norman Kings of Italy, who made a seemingly resurrected appearance in Dolce & Gabbana's collection, and was no doubt the show and collection that emerged as the best during the week.

Missoni's ponchos presented during the finale

To view all the looks from the fashion shows, head to www.style.com

Images courtesy of This Hearts On Fire, Senatus and Fashionising

Milan Men's Fashion Week, Day 2

With Milan Men's Fashion Week in full swing, the trends are emerging and fashion enthusiasts are getting ever more lusty over the new collections. The second day featured shows from Salvatore Ferragamo, Trussardi, Bottega Veneta, Bally, Iceberg, Vivienne Westwood, Ports 1961, Daks, Moncler Gamme Bleu and Caruso.

My favourite collections from Day 2 include Calvin Klein, Missoni and Prada.

Calvin Klein Autumn/Winter 2013

Calvin Klein's Autumn/Winter collection had an abundance of ribbed and quilted jackets and sweaters, but with a more contemporary and futurist aesthetic. Sports luxe elements have carried through from last year, with reptilian leather trainers completing the mostly monochromatic outfits. The trend of ox blood, chocolate brown and deep navy blue has translated into this collection, and in its different shades creates a collection with depth purely through varying colours and simplified ribbed embellishments.

View the collection HERE

Watch the runway show HERE

Missoni Autumn/Winter 2013

It was gradients galore at the Missoni Autumn/Winter 2013, the colour palette drawing inspiration from autumn leaves and bringing life to the colours through classic and comfortable fashion design. Accessories such as rugged leather briefcases and totes and are the stand out pieces amongst the myriad of casual chic looks. Missoni has proven their ability to draw on their heritage and design a collection for the modern yet nostalgic man.

View the collection HERE

Prada Autumn/Winter 2013

A show set full of 60s-70s retro and Bauhaus furniture, the wooden stairs elevates the models to enhance the richness of Prada's latest collection. Though simple in look and detail, the colour choice of the garments complements the retrospective design aesthetic. Prada has managed to modernize 60s and 70s men's fashion to convey the message that fashion is both ephemeral and timeless.

View the collection HERE

Watch the runway show HERE

Images courtesy of Calvin Klein LIVE, Prada LIVE, and Style.com

Day 2 - Milan Men's Fashion Week

The second day of Milan Fashion Week included shows by some of the most well-known brands in fashion, such as Emporio Armani (which I watched through the Armani website), Salvatore Ferragamo (streamed live), Missoni and Pringle of Scotland.

The stand out collections for me were Bottega Veneta, Vivienne Westwood, Calvin Klein and Prada. 

Bottega Veneta FW12

Images courtesy of fashionising.com

Bottega Veneta's collection is unique in the presentation of mismatched fabrics focused on the distortion of what the sophisticated image means to us. I adore the contemporary patterned blazers, especially those with the plastic looking material as a contrasting feature for the pieces. It's oblivious to see that I want the metallic jacket!

Vivienne Westwood FW12

Images courtesy of thefashionisto.com

As always, Vivienne Westwood delivered a collection and show to question the minds of onlookers. Fulfilling her title as the Mother of Punk, the abundance of tartan, fur and overall odd outfits did not disappoint me at all. I only wonder what the concept for hair and makeup was... a mix of sun tan and snow?

Calvin Klein Collection FW12

Images shot by me via Calvin Klein TV

I was lucky enough to be awake at the time of the Calvin Klein show, and it was well worth staying up for! The live stream featured a point and shoot option so you could save your favourite looks from the show! Anyway, the showing of contrasting reptilian leathers, desert nudes and creepy creepers left me in awe. The clever execution of minimalist chic was undeniable in both the collection and the show itself. There was a celebrity face on the runway, and it was none other than Joe Jonas haha!

PRADA FW12

Images courtesy of High Snob Society via Now Fashion

I watched the Prada show through the live stream in the late hours of the night, and I could not keep my eyes off the screen, even before the show started! The camera was placed so viewers can see the whole set - the luscious red, moody lighting and haunting music reminiscent of Alexander McQueen. 

One could argue that the pieces from the collection look a tad Soviet military, especially with the obvious theme of red, but I loved it! I will definitely be saving up for the cyber-tech inspired sunglasses and the patterned oxfords which were presented in the collection! 

Miuccia outdid herself by bringing on some A-list Hollywood actors on the runway to show off her designs - including Garrett Hedlund, William Defoe, Jamie Bell, Tim Roth and Adrien Brody (who I must say looks amazing in the all red ensemble).

Overall, it was the best show I have seen at Milan so far.