The Wylde Edit: Milan Fashion Week

Words by Lauren Rae

Prada

A bright, bold and stunning collection, Prada’s latest offerings leapt right off the runway and into our dream closets for the season ahead. Miuccia Prada continued her lifelong fascination with print, producing a collection which is equal parts dynamic and wearable. The daring juxtaposition of checks and florals was off-set with delicate feather trims, quietening any loud overtones of print. Finishing the looks, a variety of flat slippers, sandals and Mary-Jane style platforms were worn, each pair more decadent and eye-catching than the last. Jewel encrusted details sat alongside contemporary velcro straps, gingham prints, flower embellishments and that standout motif of the show, marabou trimming. Only in the hands of Miuccia Prada could such disparate (and potentially fussy) emblems appear modern, cool and slickly subversive.

Gucci

Creative director Alessandro Michele delivered yet another dreamy collection for Gucci, with models sweeping down a dusky pink runway. The eagerly awaited show saw the master of eclecticism present his latest pieces in a gloomy pink paradise, seemingly straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. Michele presented a diverse range of looks in his signature mishmash of 70’s eccentricity, 80’s decadence and a healthy dash of Rococo flourish. Michelle’s pieces each take on a distinctive heirloom quality, to be handed down and treasured by future generations. Standout pieces included floor length gowns, a heavily worked denim pant suit and an array of colourful, playful separates. The collection was a take on the modern fairytale: the good, the bad and the evil.

Fendi

Three words: Preppy, stripy and futuristic. The SS17 show was a decorative humdrum of busy accessories, embellishment and desirable apron dresses, cleverly styled to appear at once nostalgic and utterly modern. The sort of outfits made for the beach in the 1960’s, worn with 21st century flair. Featured on cropped sweaters, dresses, jackets, sheer shirts, not forgetting the gorgeous heeled boots – stripes reigned supreme. The fashion powerhouse also debuted its new ‘Kan I’ bag, with colourful studs, ribbons and embroidery. Models strutted down the runway reminiscent of paper dolls, sporting a glittered lip and bold winged eyeliner. Newcomer Bella Hadid lead the charge, in a standout blue apron dress – Wylde’s favourite piece from this collection.

Marni

Windswept, tousled hair combined with bold shoulders and statement patterns – creating the signature Marni mix of graphic and romantic elements. Taking draping to another level, models were cinched at the waists, many with ingenious saddle bag-belts, cleverly integrating accessories into the looks themselves. House favourite colours pillarbox red and pea green sat alongside an altogether more neutral palette, with delicate tones of mint, pale blue and sandy off-whites bringing a welcome tenderness to proceedings. Marni's accessories inspire a cult-like following, and next season’s block heels and a mismatched oversized earrings did not disappoint, adding off-kilter cool to romantic dresses.

Bottega

2016 is quite the year for Bottega Veneta - not only the brands 50th anniversary, but Tomas Maier’s 15th birthday as Creative Director. To mark the event Maier showed a desirable collection of house favourites - button-down jumpsuits, butter-soft leather dresses and jackets, luxurious silk blouses and precious accessories in crocodile, ostrich skin and suede. Meticulous craftsmanship lies the very heart of the brand, and this quest for perfection translates to pieces so gorgeously crafted they have a timeless, keep-forever quality. Models wore their hair in elegant side-partings giving a well-rounded, 1950’s housewife feel and sported minimal makeup, directing focus to the beautifully crafted clothes. Perfectly demonstrating the house’s broad reach and timeless appeal, the show closed with ‘it’ model Gigi Hadid walking arm-in-arm with the legend that is Lauren Hutton.