Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011: Gucci, Prada

Anjelica Huston, 60's/70's Chic, Chartreuse, Fuchsia, Croq-skin and YSL Mondrian Dress References...Ciao Milano Fashion Week!!!

Fall According to Frida: Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Gucci Fall/Winter 2011:

Is The Train to Florence Here?: Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

It's Milan Fashion Week kids. I discussed my Highlights of NY Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 these last couple of weeks as well as Madrid and London Fashion Week Postings HERE and HERE. And so the fashion catwalk continues...For Gucci's 90th Anniversary (90th!!!), Designer Frida Giannini went 70's Glam showing PLUNGING necklines, lots of luxe fur, flowing silk chiffon "Disco" dresses, culottes, silk half-circle skirts and Fedoras. The models can only be described as having a Can-Someone-Tell-Me-Where-My-Driver-Is Attitude that looked chic, effortless and yet Bitchy at the same time: Love it! Colors were no-holds-barred VIBRANT: Chartreuse, bubblegum pink fuchsias, deep violets, lipstick reds. You want Black,? Look somewhere else girls.

Giannini said she was inspired by Anjelica Huston, among other things. I can see it: The Styling and look of the collection reminded me of the Style Icon, especially from a 1970's "snapshot" of her with Jack Nicholson; the slicked hair, the red lips, the I-just-threw-this-on fur...that decolletage! Here are some Highlights...including the Shoes and Purse You Need To Have, come this Fall...

Campari and Soda: Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Oops, that's my leg: Model Chanel Iman in Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Milano Disco: Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Python Fierce: A covered Pump, Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

T-Strap Princess: The Strappy heel of the Season from Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Bag DIVA: Gucci Fall/Winter 2011 mini-bag

Watch FULL Gucci Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Show:

Prada Fall/Winter 2011:

Color Blocked: Italian Supermodel Mariacarla Boscono Prada Fall/Winter 2011

Miucca Prada unveiled her Fall/Winter 2011 Prada Collection, and of course it had all the Prada "stamps": Kitschy "Thrift Store Couture" looks, boxy 60's shapes, bag-lady chic prints and We-Need-To-Have accessories. It was all very Courreges-meets-Paco Rabanne in a way.

Marcia Marcia: Prada Fall/Winter 2011

Yes, there were 60's influences, but there were also 1920's "Amelia Earhart"-meets-early 70's looks a la Marcia Brady looks as well, with those drop-waist dresses above and below...

Drop-That-Belt: Prada Fall/Winter 2011

There was also an overt nod to THE Master: Yves Saint Laurent, and his iconic 1965 Mondrian dress above.

Also evident in the just-unveiled Prada Fall/Winter 2011 Collection: Lots of Croq-skin. In luxurious colorful drop-shoulder boxy coats as well as...

These ankle-grazing shoe-boots that EVERY Fashion-Girl will risk not paying her next months rent for. I would! Just sayin'

Fish Scale Cocktail: Prada Fall/Winter 2011

For evening: Neon colors and over-sized paillettes and long fuzzy fur. As is usual with the House of Prada, there were NO GOWNS, but that doesn't mean that we might not see one or two Custom Prada Gowns at the Academy Awards Red Carpet this Sunday!

And finally: May I show you THE Must-Have Prada Sunglasses for your next trip to the Italian-Swiss Alps this coming Winter. Time to put my early order in! Watch FULL Prada Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Show:

Milan Fashion Week Spring 2011: Prada, Gucci and Versace--Photos and Runway Video!!

More Fashion Week Highlights: Turquoise, Orange, Coral, YVES SAINT LAURENT references, 70's strappy heels, and Monkey Prints?

Prada Spring 2011:

Designer Miuccia Prada sent out a bold statement of color for Spring 2011. The runway was awash with primary colored dresses that ranged from bright orange to potent purples to greens and royal blues. Silhouettes went from shapeless shifts perfect for that older Italian Gallery Owner working in the Summer humid heat of Florence to strapless, fitted "Mermaid" shapes featuring gathered panels. And there were prints: Baroque monkey prints to be exact. How much do you want to bet Forever 21 will try to knock those off?

Going Baroque: Strapless "Mermaid" shaped printed dress

Stopping Traffic: Bright Pumpkin Orange kimono drop-sleeved sheath v-neck dress

New Wedge: This is what the House of Prada will make their money on next Spring/Summer 2011

Prada Spring 2011 Runway Video:

Gucci Spring 2011:
Yves Saint Laurent is having a moment...yep, first Marc Jacobs, then Jason Wu, now Frida Giannini, Creative Director for Gucci is doing YSL. And why not be inspired by The Master. Did they all go to his Petit Palais YSL Retrospective? I did, and trust me kids, I was inspired too! So much so I CRIED! Gucci Spring 2011 is all 70's Helmut Newton, Marrakesh, gold python belts, sleek skinny pants, peek-a-boo draped tops, bright colors and lots of satin. Slicked hair and strong red lipstick brought home the "The 80s are DEAD, long Live 1978!" look of the entire collection.

Solid Gold: Aquamarine satin jacket, blouse, gold belt and deep lilac skinny trousers

Bellissima: Model Chanel Iman on the Gucci runway, in a satin coral/copper-colored draped skirt, white peek-a-boo top and gold python belt

Evening Safari: All black ensemble consisting of short-sleeved belted jacket, skinny pants and strappy heels

Speaking of Heels: Black strapped-in heels, Gucci Spring 2011

Ladies, Get Your Pedicures: Love these strappy turquoise suede shoes with gold heel, very 1979.

Gucci Spring 2011 Runway Video:

Versace Spring 2011:
Severe Color, severe shapes and severe hair. This is "FIERCE" a la Donatella. Dropped hemlines, slits, geometric necklines and again, lots of COLOR: Turquoise, shades of coral, orange and yes, there was some black. Take note Russian Billionaire Arm Candy Ladies: This is what you'll look like come next Spring 2011.

Turquoise Princess: Knee-length sheath dress with geometric laser-cut neckline

The Midriff Is Back: Coral-colored cropped jacket and knee-length skirt

Little Black Two-some: Black cropped top with beaded straps and knee-length skirt

Shimmy Shimmy: Turquoise fringed gown with scooped neckline and peek-a-boo sides

Versace Spring 2011 Runway Video:

Milan & Paris Menswear Spring/Summer 2011 Collections: Westwood, Moncler Gamme Bleu, Gucci

Euro Dandy or Euro Heir?Summer Drizzle: Moncler Gamme Bleu S/S 2011 Trenchcoat

The Menswear Spring/Summer 2011 Collections continue and here are some of my faves. First up, the Moncler Gamme Bleu Collection, designed by American Thom everything-is-shrunken Browne. Browne is known for his great presentations and somehow he had to "top himself" from last year's Swimming Extravaganza. He did. The runway show occurred in Milan's Vellodromo Vigorelli Football (soccer for the Gringos) Stadium and it was all about chic Activewear for that Tour de France fashionista in every man. Great windbreakers, trench coats, shrunken double-breasted cardigan/jackets (I can't wait until Topman knocks those off!) and LEGGINGS--bicycle-print ones, which I guarantee will be the "must purchase" for every stylin' gay this side of the Marais!
Going To A Picnic: Vivienne Westwood Menswear S/S 2011

Moving onto Vivienne Westwood. Her Menswear show was FAAAABUUUULOUS! I could just see those bloggers and oh-we-don't-get-it people saying "I would NEVER wear that!", "Is she crazy?", "what IS thaaaaat???". Ummm, how shall I say this politely: That's not the point and by the way IT'S NOT FOR YOU!! (for those people who say the "I would never wear that" comment. It's all about creative inspiration and creating a presentation--a show (think John Galliano). BIZZZNESS Class: Vivienne Westwood Men Spring 2011

Smart editors, store buyers and fashion-savvy writers will see beyond the wig and 1979 Male Hooker scarf (love!) and see a great plaid jacket, a rather "basic" purple gingham shirt one could even buy at Urban Outfitters, and some sexy shoes to boot! I loved the collection so much, I actually started looking for some inspiration for my upcoming lecture trip to Italy next month. I have been invited to speak to the Miami University of Ohio Summer Europe Program once again so I saw this look below from Miss Westwood as a "suggestion" for my "Traveling to Europe" ensemble...and well, I had to think again. It could be the Manpris or it might have been the I-think-all-that-carry-on might NOT be allowed on the plane factor...So, in other words, I had to "think again". A look which definitely might be in my "Summer In Florence" ensemble is:
Ahhhhhhhh, yes, leave it to Gucci. I think the above outfit WILL BE my inspiration for next month's European trip and lecture. For Spring/Summer 2011, Designer Frida Giannini designed a collection which was very 1960's Fiat Heir On His Way To Capri...or London.
The collection screamed Andrea and Pierre Casaraghi (Princess Caroline's we-do-nothing-bu-go-on-Holidays- sons). Slim very 60s suits, high-water cropped pants (a S/S 2011 Trend), rolled-up sleeves (great styling!) and an altogether Euro Trash-Gone Good look to it, which is what defines Gucci.
My Positano Beach Bag: Gucci Spring/Summer 2011 The sock-less loafers (sooooo GUCCI old-school!)
Oh it all SCREAMS "Me!". Now this is a collection where it is OK to say: "I would wear that!" Thank God the Euro is poor and the Dollar is strong because "Uncle Nick" might have to do some Gucci Damage in Italy!

Click Below for Moncler Gamme Bleu by Thom Browne Spring/Summer 2011:


Click Below for the Vivienne Westwood Menswear Spring 2011 Preview:


Click Below for the Gucci Menswear Spring 2011 Runway:

Nick Verreos Takes a Look at Balmain Fall 2010: Runway Video!

Goldfinger: Balmain Fall 2010 Gold Leather Gown

I think we can now officially say that Christophe Decarnin for Balmain is to this Decade what Tom Ford for Gucci was to the 90's. Seeming to pick up right where Tom Ford left off, Decarnin is providing his women with Sexy, Edgy Clothing that was such an integral part of the Tom Ford Gucci Era.
Louis XIV Redux: Balmain Fall 2010 Brocade Pantsuit

This isn't to say that Christophe is doing a Gucci-Knock off Collection, he is way too talented for that. Instead he cleverly weaves his signature Rock and Roll style with the sexy 90's theme that seems to be a strong trend of the season. There were plenty of pantsuits that were done in a variety of styles mixing his signature Military accents with sophisticated brocades and "After Six" pinstripes.Beaded Brocade: Balmain 2010 Mini Dress

But to me, the stand-outs in the collection were the plethora of mini dresses done in an endless variety of shapes and fabrications. This is sure to have every young Starlet and Supermodel from here to Moscow clamoring to be the first to wear these sexy creations. Above Decarnin cleverly continues the brocade theme with a completely beaded brocade mini!
Mini Madness: Balmain 2010 Gold Bugle Beaded Mini Dress

The color palette was tight with heavy accents of Gold and sumptuous Plums and Purples. As always, Christophe accessorized the collection with studded belts and military-esque boots to give all the designs a very edgy and relevant vibe.

Let's see which actress will be the first to show up wearing one of these sexy pieces!!

Click below for a Sneak Peak of the Collection:

Gucci Discovers The Dane

Gucci has just announced the new 'face' of the jewelry campaign. That means they're laying down some serious money on one of young Hollywood's best in the hope she'll attract some new Gucci followers. Eschewing Britney and Lindsey for some strange reason, they've instead chosen Clare Danes as the symbol of what Gucci jewelry represents.

(If you're curious, which I was, apparently Gucci is all about being passionate, independent and having a strong character. They forgot to mention it's all about having money.)

Gucci ain't the only company that has a famous face as the 'muse' for their gems. British rock-maker Stephen Webster recently zeroed in on Christina Aguilera as his muse. Me wonders who's next - any thoughts?