Italian Fashion Watch

The Madrid Fashion Week, which is not even close to the magnitude of the Milan Fashion Week or Paris Fashion Week, came fast to the world’s attention with a controversial decision by it’s officials to exclude models that do not meet what the World Health Organization considers normal weight.

The decision was applauded by numerous figures around the world, all hoping that other countries will take a similar stand in this issue.

The decision came after an alarming increase (according to some) in the number of models that look like sticks. A participant at one fashion show noted that the thickest part of the model’s legs were the ankles.

The issue is quite real, numerous models going to extremes by starving themselves to maintain that silhouette.

Some blame the designers for this. They generally want models that fit their outfits perfectly. If only they’d only make them in one number bigger…

Sophie Hardach ironicly noted that “designers dress up 14-year-olds to make them look like 19-year-olds who look great in clothes that will be sold to 40-year-olds.”

It’s not that far from the truth. At 15 years, the models are naturally skinny. But towards 19-20 years, it gets tougher to have a perfect waist, so they starve themselves in an attempt to get it under control.

But usually, at this age they start modeling for Victoria’s Secret where they get a muh greater fame that they’ve ever had.

While most designers present at Milan’s fashion week presented creations that were at least slightly wearable, it was Dolce and Gabbana’s turn to show the world what they’re made of.

And they did it with a huge parade on Tuesday, where they brought to the stage what is considered by many an outrageous collection.

As one eyewitness said, ‘the show screamed sex and money”. Black corsets and skirts in the colors of the rainbow are just one of the many items presented.

From the first look you could tell this was not about bringing out a collection that would actually be practical. Instead, it was all about making a huge hype, which it certainly did.

In a backstage interview, Kylie Minogue, a participant at this display said that she actually found the collection quite wearable, but only on a concert’s stage. Who knows, you might see her wearing one on Dolce and Gabbana’s outfits in her next world tour.

D&G lowered the sexual tension towards the end by some tongue-in-cheek outfits that played on Dolce & Gabbana’s soft spot for campness.

In a TV interview by the French journalist, Estelle Colin, Giorgio Armani said, “I invented navy blue”, as he was telling the story of how he became such an important figure in today’s fashion world.

He’s not exaggerating because in the ‘70s and ‘80s he did something no other designer did. In his words, “I gave something to the women that work”. The show was a huge success, maybe just because he went back the early days.

A few of the items in his new spring collection were also presented. He showed the public four new jackets and gave them a taste of his incredible eveningwear.

On the other hand, Monday was a huge day in Milan. Every brand made a huge splash by presenting their new collections.

Cristina Ortiz’s “OrganiCouture” displayed interesting shapes and materials. Lots of white leather and metallic appearance – obviously a trend these days.

Another designer that displayed his work on Monday was the young Christopher Bailey with his brand, Burberry.

It appears that dusty rose is next spring’s official color.