This past February 20th to the 26th, Canon Fashion Week Milan took over Italy’s fashion capital. From A to Z, Alberta (Ferretti) to (Ermenegildo) Zegna, Autumn|Winter 2013’s interpretation from some of the world’s most revered fashion houses debuted. Below, is an overview of what is to come from from the land of Vespas, Leonardo da Vinci, and espressos:

Jil Sander | Having returned to her throne as the empress of her eponymous empire, Ms. Jil Sander continued what she does best: minimalism. However, this is simplicity with a story, with a mission statement. The collection tells a tale of a modern lady, who embodies a sense of peace and calmness while preferring to avoid all ostentatious prints, embellishments, feathers, and such in her life. Having chosen a more serious palette, Ms. Sander allowed brighter colors to peek in hues of oranges, yellows, and lighter toned blues.

 

 

Fendi | F is for fur when it comes to the House of Fendi. And with that being said, Monsieur Lagerfeld made sure that it was wildly psychedelic and loud yet with a refined twist. Fur has never been more fun, futuristic, and free-spirited like it’s being forecasted to be later this year. The collection gave visions of a rockstar on hallucinogens. It was ruled by lines, colorful ones, like barcodes. The shoes- fabulous.

 

 

Ports 1961 | Creative director Fiona Cibani turned to the classic Ms. Lee Radziwill for inspiration. Flannel, flowers, and feminism were some of the most visible elements that constructed the collection. The silhouettes loosely flowed, the outerwear was tasteful.

 

 

Krizia |  Somewhere on the boundary between tough and strong, next season’s collection by Ms. Mariuccia Mandelli visually promised ladies to be with confidence. It seemed to have been an experiment gone in the direction of dark, sultry and uninhibited. Metallics gave a robotic aura, something of 3013, while black leather dominated. Classic pieces were made modern. The cuffs and decorative neck pieces as well as all the shoes with straps were delectable.

 

 

Alberta Ferretti | If one thing is certain, it’s that Ms. Alberta Ferretti adores the adjective pretty. And making it seem so effortless and natural, that’s exactly how she likes to dress her ladies every season. Adhering to this philosophy, she also forbade trousers from making an appearance. Jackets came in every length and color, transparent fabrics gave a sense of delicacy. Whether physically or visually, purposely or not, the collection encompassed a sense of layering… Thus proving that there’s more to a lady than meets the eye.

 

 

With many collections composed of dark colors, the Milanese air lingered with seriousness. Sign of the times? Possibly. Or just Europeans striving for elegance as always. Until next season… Ciao, bella! | Giuseppe

 

 

 

pictures courtesy Davide Maestri, Giovanni Giannoni, Piero Cristaldi