Dolce & Gabbana Winter 2010
Dolce & Gabbana and Burberry Prorsum kicked things off at Milan's fashion week on Saturday in superb style, with both fashion houses going back to their roots.
Despite a shortened men's fashion week this year, lasting only four days and due to clash with Paris fashion week, designers defied the economic downturn by showing an accomplished range of pieces.
Although 11 designers have opted out of showing this year, including Valentino, who will instead host a commercial representation, there is still a huge amount of importance placed on this event.
D&G's collection in particular was very representative of this, as they went back to their designer roots with a black and white collection inspired by Sicily. Before the show Gabbana had said that unstable times called for "family values, tradition" and "the important things in life."
And they delivered on this, showing an impeccable collection of mens formal wear, adding touches of velvet to trench coats and making their narrow-lapel tuxedo jackets the focus of the show.
Despite a two-tone colour palette, D&G managed to intersperse this with flashes of bright fuchsias and dusty pinks, to symbolise that despite depressing times economically, it shouldn't necessarily be reflected in the clothing.
British label Burberry Prorsum followed D&G's lead with returning to their original style roots, after reinventing the label under the helm of Christopher Bailey.
Despite shaking off the traditional feel behind the brand, Bailey's successful stint at the label has allowed him to revisit the past and update it with confidence.
Focusing on the house's iconic check pattern, Bailey supersized it and imprinted it on scarves, shirts and hefty peacoats to make it the focus of the catwalk.
"I feel like it was a moment to go back to who we are, and to the real icons of the company. It feels like the right moment," Bailey said after the show to WWD.
On Sunday we saw queen of British fashion, Vivienne Westwood take centre stage with her menswear collection for next winter. Tweed, tartan and sheepskin featured heavily, while denim and leather also made an appearance.
Quirky to a tee, her vision was fun, playful and over-the-top with eccentricity, even experimenting with over-sized hoods and dip dye trousers.
Armani's collection too was hailed a success, naming his show 'Green Town' which was supposed to show its homage to earthy roots, while still reflecting some impeccably smart city tailoring.
Pairing high-waisted trousers and short blazers together, along with tweed caps and plush fabrics, it was the epitome of luxury. Quirks were kept to a minimum, with only a velvet shawl and a fur poncho making an appearance within the show.