Milan Fashion Week – Seventies Inspired Designer Wear

Bright, bold and rich colours and patterns were all key themes at Milan Fashion week but one of the biggest trends to watch out for is seventies inspired designer wear. We have been seeing quite a strong seventies influence for spring and summer 2011 and if these collections are anything to go by, this trend will be continuing well into the winter. lame and metallics, rich brocades and luxurious fabrics were all big news as were printed chiffons, velvet and flowing designer maxi dresses.  Any thing with a seventies vibe that you buy now will be a great investment and will get plenty of wear. So grab your flares, floppy hats, designer maxi dresses and pussycat bow blouses for a summer of love followed by a winter of glamorous and luxe party designer dresses and designer wear.

Roberto Cavalli

Known for his extravagant and luxurious collections, Roberto Cavalli makes good use of rich colours and prints in his collection. For Autumn Winter 2011 his show featured plenty of glitz and glamour with layers of animal print and snakeskin chiffon, devore print dresses, feather fur jackets and goat hair waist coats. One of the most noticeable features of this show was the use of gold.

Alberta Ferretti

Alberta Ferretti’s collection was perhaps more sixties than seventies but was in keeping with the overall retro vibe of Milan Fashion Week. Some very wearable day dresses in the form of  teal, purple, orange and grey were the order of the day. With the addition of elaborate block heel knee high boots in coloured velvet with brocade detail, there was definitely an air of extravagance about this collection that was a far cry from the neutral colours that dominated the catwalks in AW10. Although Alberta is well known for her designer wear for the evening, this collection proves that she can do day wear just as well.

Gucci

Frida Gianinni managed to effortlessly combine the seventies vibe with a forties silhouette for a collection  that sizzled with sex appeal. There were pussy bow blouses, plenty of coloured fur and draped chiffon. The day dresses combined lady like three quarter length hems with contrasting chunky knee high boots. The colour teal featured heavily but there were also plenty of other rich colours. For the evening extravagant designer maxi dresses in transparent fabrics slit to the thigh to reveal fifties style underwear added yet more glamour to the proceedings.  

Angelo Marani

Yet another seventies inspired collection of designer wear was Angelo Marani. This time featuring flared legs, maxi lengths, wide brimmed hats, lots of fur, belted waistcoats and platform shoes. It was a festival of hippy chick designer wear with scarves, texture and carpeted handbags and bright jewellery. There was also plenty of checked fabrics and high waists.

You can get an early start on these trends with clever use of designer wear from previous seasons. Not only will you look amazingly on trend but you will also save yourself some money in the process.

Metallic Brocade Jacket by Balmain

Roksanda Ilincic Silk Lame Maxi Skirt

Erdem Carissa Print Silk Satin Blouse

Dolce and Gabbana Silk Pussy Bow Blouse