So Milan's men's fashion week has ended but I couldn't complain about the abundance of chiseled cheeked men who paraded along the catwalk. Lest not forget that Milan is the fashion capital of Europe (then Paris, and then London - in that order) home to the big, Italian trademark fashion houses and established designers. The Versace collection show over the weekend was aesthetically rewarding. The vast array of western-cut shirting exuded steel-like confidence, with an air of flamboyance. The leathers were strong and masculine.
The clothes alternated between a cowboy look , sharp bright suits and an American rock'n'roll biker range. There were plenty of cowboy boots embossed with smidgens of Gold. Most of the jeans on display were pre-greased with oily prints. I won't describe the leather codpiece - it made me blush !
I sensed that the collection's emphasis was based on functionality, practicalities and the outdoor life ironically in an age where craft and DIY skills are dying. Most things are outsourced. The textures used were strong and durable especially the cashmeres and wild West ponyskins. This was a stern, masculine, practical and functional collection. The luxury styled suits were neatly cut - one of the favourites being the petrol Navy suit which was teamed up with a typical Versace styled shirt underneath. The red outfit was eye-catching, the long cashmere cardigan certainly looked warm and the flamboyant design along the red jeans epitomised Versace's incessant use of floral and paisley style patterns. We expect nothing but dazzle from Donatella Versace, the dazzle lives on.
Monica Cummings, Ba hons,. MA