Runway Diaries

Versace. Cavalli. Moschino. Gucci, and even Pucci. Those are just a few names that peppered the runways of this fall's Spring 2009 Milan Fashion Week. From Sept. 20-28, trendsetting fashionistas from around the globe were drawn to one of the cities of the international fashion triumvirate to attend the Milano Moda Donna.

A memorable collection was produced by Dsquared2, spearheaded by Dan and Dean Caten. Their sexy silhouettes had a contemporary '70s theme, as models paraded down the runway wearing high-waisted jeans, oversized sunglasses, and chic three-piece suits. Donatella Versace's collection, an unsurprising success, showcased romantic attire like inventive zippered dresses with pink and red quirky prints. Heart-shaped adornments served as sweet additions to some of the goddess-like garments.

Fendi's collection, designed by fashion demigod Karl Lagerfeld, showed transparent bell-shaped silhouettes sprinkled with pink and red rosettes. A simple and elegant blend of neutral-colored, layered dresses and peep-toe booties were final garnishes to the collection. A sexier collection was executed by Dolce & Gabbana. Garments had a slight Victorian feel, with use of brooches, dark veils, and corsets. Much of the collection looked like reinvented lingerie and daywear inspired by men's silk pajamas.

Matthew Williamson, for Emilio Pucci, presented tropical-themed silhouettes, using mini-suits incorporating a vibrant color palette. Although classic Pucci patterns were utilized, certain pieces were indisputably tacky. Moschino, on the other hand, served his audience a pleasing collection of black and white loose-fitting garments, styled with oversized ruffles, bows, and modish vests. Models sported appealing beehive-like hairstyles, while exquisite mongo pearls accentuated each piece.

Roberto Cavalli, with co-designer Eva Cavalli, diversified pieces successfully and showed another knockout collection. Some garments were hippie-style print dresses, while other pieces had a dark theme with a splash of Marie Antoinette influence. Cavalli showed contrast with a few light, pastel-colored dresses. The Cavalli collection was sure to satisfy the needs of all fashion fanatics.

Milan's fashion week produced countless other collections that deserved high praise, such as those of Gucci, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Max Mara, Jil Sander, and Burberry Prorsum. An especially admirable designer is 16-year-old Kira Plastinina from Russia, one of the youngest entrepreneurs the fashion community has ever witnessed. Kira's collection proved her talents with playful and innocent pieces, tailored for young teenage girls.

Yet again, the Spring 2009 Fashion Week in Milan reassured the rest of the world of Milan's status as a fashion powerhouse. Paris, the final fashion capital on the map, is now last to prove that Parisian fashion designers have what it takes to continue to play in the relentlessly competitive fashion arena.