Milan Fashion Week

Gucci, Spring/Summer '09 (scroll down to read the review)
Gucci
Fitting out the Gucci show venue in white and gold helped emphasise a new lightness to Frida Giannini’s collection, and styling, which in the past has been more-the-merrier, was cleaner, allowing a focus more on the ready-to-wear than the accessories.

That said there were some great new fun backpacks in precious skins and fab jewellery in amethyst, agate and crystal. Boyish looks that opened the show included a new pleated pant with a little more ease on the hip and a cuff at the ankle (so right for now), short blazers, the odd waistcoat and python biker jackets.

There was a tropical air (Frida calls it ‘Gucci Exotica’) with safari inspired styles, over-scaled prints featuring palm leaves, and a batik-like treatment to suede.

Dresses were super short with lots of bronzed legs on show, and voluminous, often belted at the hip with leather belts as supple as scarves. There were jumpsuits (seen across Milan this week). Gucci’s proposal: very short. Tropical brights like papaya, emerald and turquoise were balanced with neutrals like khaki, coffee and tan.