Style director Adrian Clark and stylist Barnaby Ash report back on day two of the Milan shows.
Domenico and Stefano’s diffusion line for D&G paid homage to the glory days of Gianni Versace utilising foulard scarf prints on just about every garment in a man’s wardrobe, while blending it with faded denim, washed linens and the occasional touch of leather to desirable effect.
While on the other hand, after raising the bar with their Autumn/Winter collection, iconic fashion house Gucci’s take on the dandies who frequented Savile Row in the 1960s and 70s left us a little cold, lacking the unashamed luxury we know them for.
Alexander McQueen’s latest collection took inspiration from British Rock and the wardrobe of its protagonists, reinventing sharp Savile Row tailoring with a more relaxed approach finely blended with embroidered shirting and voodoo-inspired accessories. While Sarah Burton (McQueen’s successor) seems to have nailed the founder’s mastering of fine tailoring, stand out show pieces were conspicuously absent.
Other shows such as ZZegna presented a fluid and original silhouette and Nicole Farhi departed from what we know to produce a new and minimalist look. But the show that shone out beyond anything else was once again legendary powerhouse Versace. After years of departure from its true nature, Donatella came crashing back in to the limelight with an incredible tribute to what Gianni Versace did best. Her collection promoted a sartorial v shape with a masculine emphasis on the hips, shoulders and high waistlines, while shorts featured a tight waist and a wider base.
Shockwaves Style Director, Michael Douglas explains how you can achieve this look from the Gucci Spring Summer 2012 show (far right):
This look is my favourite so far, it’s a totally cool mixture of Northern soul and 1960s rock and roll. This style is best suited to fine hair with a kink or wave and a strong face shape. Apply a small amount of Shockwaves Extra Strong Wet Look Gel (RRP £2.49 for 200ml) to this feather cut and blow dry all coming forward, no parting needed! Finish with a tiny amount of the Shockwaves Re-Create Styling Wax (RRP £2.99 for 75ml), and style it so it’s flat at the front with a bit of height at the crown.
