Moschino Cheap & Chic at Milan Fashion

Moschino has always been a brand with a sense of humor, irony. Its fans are people who have an intellectual and cultural comment to make on the human situation. "Cheap and Chic" is a sister line of Moschino, with a more accessible price profile.

And in keeping with the spirit of this affordable yet intelligent, humorous clothing, Rossella Jardini sent a host of model cast in fun, delectable costumes. Fittingly, they walked in through a heart-shaped portal on the ramp. The joy of Spanish living seemed to be the mainstay of the 

This was evident in the short, cha-cha dresses, a black gown decked with eyelet lace, fuchsia carnations stuck into puffed-up shoulders. The target clientele is obviously young. Very few society women would risk wearing pink shift dresses "stamped with the word "Shocking" in bold letters.

Prada at Milan Fashion Week September 2009

Of all the shows that grace Milan Fashion Week, the trendsetter is invariably the one by Miuccia Prada. She throws discretion and rules to the winds and goes her own way, experimenting, innovating. And the world follows.

The Prada Spring Collection is chic, effortless, and creative: the theme is business to beach, and Miuccia has gone to town with it. Blouson tops and a plethora of shorts, coats and cocktail sheaths are all covered in the Prada print of the season: a 1960's beach scene with umbrellas, deck chairs, and people in beachwear.

And then there are the suits: hacked off, unhemmed jackets, and pants slashed off at the knee. The third look is created with the duchesse fabrics woven out of nylon threads and presented in bright floral prints. All three come together in one harmonious collection and contain looks that would show up, in a more wearable form, in Prada outlets all over the world.

Versace at Milan Fashion

Versace Spring 2010

For the last few seasons, Donatella had kept with the trends, following a more mature, toned-down outlook.
But with the upbeat mood on the ramps this Spring, with no dearth of leg or cleavage, Donatella let it fly with the shortest of skirts, lots of chain mail, and loads of bling. This was a true updated version of Gianni Versace's work in his hey-day. The look was slutty, but not too much so, provocative but balanced at the same time.

Technically, Donatella is perfect, and both in terms of construction and embellishment her team of stylists, tailors, and patternmakers are hands down winners. The silver metallic embroideries and perforated leathers were just so, and the drapes of chiffon and other fine fabrics were absolute perfection. This Versace Spring 2010 collection had a new, confident, Donatella Versace written all over it.
The Milan Fashion Week showcases the talents, strengths and insights of some of the great Italian fashion designers of our time. Life in Italy will continue to bring you updates from these designers, in various fashion weeks, as they take place each season across the world.