Starry-Eyed Spring

A few weeks ago, I watched one of the short yet brilliant videos on Style. com that reviewed the runways of the most recent shows in cosmopolitan style capitals such as Paris, France and Milan. I was particularly intrigued by the video commentary on Milan's stage during its Spring 2008 Fashion Week. I jotted down some notes based on my close observations of the people sightings, re-appearing shapes on the runway, and direct quotes from the eminent designers that were present.

I would generally describe the catwalk of marvelous Milan as  transparent, evocative, and craftsmen-like. Northern Italy's tasteful fashion capital enjoyed a "fairy tale refuge" runway with an emphasis on non-conformity and fantasy in 2008. Designers, fashion analysts and researchers, and editors alike from across the globe have redefined Milan's wardrobe from edgy and mysterious to picturesque. Russian Vogue's Aliona Doletskaya proclaimed that fashion would simply evaporate unless designers continued to fantasize and formulate idealist pieces. This season could be described as rather decadent and indulgent as high-end designers like Dolce & Gabbana and Roberto Cavalli unleash their inner color palettes and create romantic works of arts that make these  models look as though they are "wrapped in paintings." Designer Jill Sanders explored the use of transparent material in her veil-like pieces that concealed a basic, neutral collared polo shielded by black tulle. According to an Italian fashion magazine editor on the scene of the show, Prada's alligator fabric shoes and Fendi's futuristic translucent/metallic footwear have "redefined walking."

Other looks brought to the catwalk in elegant Milan included a rainforest or rather organic essence, hand-made textiles, lots of ruffles, and concentric circles. American Vogue's Anna Wintour commented "I think all that tulle is difficult for women to wear. I don't think that women are going to walk around with tulle except for at night."That is truly the fun of the runway! One can apply the untamed ways of fashion to the glamorous runway to display idealist and slightly impractical creations on human hangers to display ground breaking creations. Milan's fashion week this spring, I believe, was just as reminiscent as a Renaissance-style Italian art museum; I mean after all, models are the statues and paintings of the fashion museum.