Milan fashion week started this week with some of the world’s most famous designers showcasing their collections for autumn/winter 2011. First up was Frida Giannini for Gucci with a runway that took inspiration from Angelica Huston (circa 1970) and Florence Welch (the couture clad stage rocker from Florence and the Machine). The 70s providing the overriding theme so hang on to those pussybow blouses and flared trousers for winter. Whilst many designers have referenced this era for the past few seasons at Gucci the trend took on a new type of indulgence with the presence of luxurious fur and snake skins and a rich palette of emerald greens, purples and petrol blues. For nightime a glorious display of risque evening gowns cut high on the thigh and low on the neck for a fabulous fashion start to Milan Fashion week.

Next up went Prada, following a bold spring/summer collection that singlehandedly made banana print the height of fashion Miuccia Prada took a more refined approach to autumn/winter 2011. It was a collection that looked to a girlier more innocent way of dressing, with dropped waist dresses, shift shapes, pleated skirts and modest Mary Jane heels. Animal print cocoon silhouetted coats and fur adorned overcoats provided a luxurious edge that above all else presented itself as essentially wearable.