What happened to androgyny? The buzzword of last season wasn’t mentioned once this Milan Fashion Week, where it’s okay to dress like a girl again. Florals, Victorian ruffles, and dresses, preferably long and loose, were among the top looks for Spring 2016.
There’s a lighthearted mood in the air, especially at Dolce & Gabbana where the cheerful models took selfies transmitted to large screens hanging over the crowd.
Meanwhile, the buzz cut is making a buzz among models, especially with the week’s standouts Ruth Bell and twins Camilla and Giulia Venturini. In an ultra-fem season, a near-bald scalp gives edge to frills and lace for women whose style leans more to the brooding side.
Layering: Designers are in love with organza, chiffon and netting, especially the wide-open variety. How to deal with all that skin? Most often it’s with briefs and bandeaus under sheer dresses (Aquilano Rimondi) and(Versace).
Ruffles: They can be cool and sweet at Philosophy by Lorenzo Serafini or sassy at MSGM. But whether the inspiration is delicate Victoriana or brash 80’s ruffles ruled.
Calling all Minimalists: It might be time to hop on the embellishment train. From Italian postcard prints and pompoms at Dolce & Gabbana (pictured) to sequinned lipsticks, nails and stars at Giamba to metal embroidery and chain fringe at Roberto Cavalli and chiffon fringe at Marco de Vicenzo, more is molto.
The Long, Loose Dress: No need to skip the pasta course. A wide, sandal-skimming dress is a new must-have. On spaghetti or thick straps (Salvatore Ferragamo, pictured), or long-sleeved and lace-trimmed.
Luxe Leisure: Don’t we all wish we could live in our gym clothes? Suddenly there are lots of all-day options like camo track suits, sweatshirts and backpacks (Bottega Veneta, Versace) and surf-inspired eveningwear.
