Milan Fall / Winter 2006 Wrapup II

Prada
Prada is one of the few shows that I really anticipate each season, and that is because to us normal civilians, Prada is the 'expect the unexpected' show. We, well at least I, can never guess which direction Miuccia will be heading next. And it was certainly a suprise of the sudden change in direction -right into the jungles. I usually hate loud, jungle-influenced clothes, but good thing Miuccia is the queen of the subtle luxuries. She somehow manages to mix jungle influences, such as wild-looking fur and leopard prints onto garments without being overbearing or slutty. Although there was one exception: a particularly ugly coat with fur only on the sleeves, (I didn't post it because I didn't like it.) Who would ever have thought the words jungle and IQ can be in the same picutre?
But what I love most the most about this Prada collection (and Prada in general) is the collaboration of style and intelligence. This collection is not only for looking sexy, pretty nor rich, but as Miuccia calls it 'go back to strength and the sober side.'
The color palette is in every sense sober -black, grey, dark green and navy. To liven up the collection a bit, there were a few dark, metallic pieves. Prada nylon raincoats and sportswear were reworked and now even more stylish. And instead of mono-fabric, each coat had isolated patches of fur, such as the collars, the sleeves and even the back. Many tops were corset-like, or had a exterior bra on them -perhaps the sign of smart, feminine couture?
As for accessories, belts are still a must-have. The bags continue to big like last season, except next season with even more luxurious material such as fur and exotic skins. Many models walked out carrying books by her side, but take a closer look and you will also see shiny and studded clutches. The oh-so-lovely Prada shoes were platform high mary-janes -some of plain leather, some with studs, and some with detailed prints.
And finally, how to look stylishly smart next season? A clean face with plum-stained lips.

Emilio Pucci

Suddenly we are all more aware of Pucci than before -thanks to its new creative director Mathew Williamson. Apart from vague impressions of mulit-color prints, I really have no idea what Pucci's typical style is. And this collection while I don't completely feel the Pucci 'feel', there are a lot of pretty, individual pieces. The whole collection felt like a whirlwind of purple, grey, black and white, changing back and forth from a mono-color outfit to another pschodelico-printed dress and then to pretty, girly dresses. I loved the dresses -so wearable and can be both casual or dressy. And look at those little fur collar scarves and ribbons around the waists -totally adorable!

Marni

Marni this season is very... Marni -beautiful and elegant in an artistic, imperfect way. Blue and grey were the dominant colors, with frequent spots of dusty pink, ivory-peach, red and brown. There were too many simple, gorgeous tops and skirts to list here, and sometimes they look ordinary in photos, but you will fall in love with them when you see them in stores. The white belt and black elbow-length gloves are the must-own accessories for the Marni woman next season.