Celebrity fashion-watchers including Kelly Osbourne, US actor John Malkovich and Scottish 300 star Gerard Butler were all among those drawn to Milan over the past four days to check out the top menswear couturiers' visions for next spring and summer.
Stripes ruled the runways, from Gucci's impossibly-tight vertical striped leggings in shades of violet, blue and chocolate, through Roberto Cavalli's autumn leaf-hued vertical contrast trousers to Vivienne Westwood's tank top and low-cut leggings.
The British punk icon also incorporated stripes into her blazers – another garment set to feature heavily in any fashion-forward male's wardrobe for next season.
While Roberto Cavalli's summer take on the blazer was a riot of colour, with one stand-out piece retaining a standout motif from this season – flowers – Gucci went for a selection of figure hugging creations in the traditional summer palette of pale pastels, creams and greys.
London-born Alexander McQueen went for a more dramatic approach. Presenting a look he described as "smoke and mirrors translated into clothes", the 39-year-old layered monochrome jackets over sizzling orange polo necks and created hourglass silhouettes using faun-hued, single-button jackets with black sleeves and side panels.
Another key trend set to make a return at the start of next year are the shimmering fabrics of the glam rock era. Dolce & Gabbana updated the secret service agent look by exploring it in high-sheen fabrics, while their Roger Moore-esque tuxedo jacket combos featured Oriental cherry blossom and bamboo leaf prints.
And the design duo weren't the only ones going for high sheen. Over at Emporio Armani The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian's handsome young star Ben Barnes joined Giorgio Armani backstage after the Italian fashion king sent models down the runway in satin-effect garments including a gleaming electric blue jacket.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
