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Must have color: red

JUST as the designs that came down the fashion runways of Milan started to look like they were from the same monochromatic color scheme, reprieve came in the form of a few bold splashes of red. With economies throughout the world hitting new lows, the designers' choice of darker color swatches (think chestnut browns, slate grays and somber blacks) mirrored the global gloom that has gripped the world. On the other hand, more bright hues and in particular, shades of red sent out a more hopeful message amidst all the sentiments of doom. Some fashion houses slipped in a few finishing touches of red - a carmine red scarf at Dsquared2, dark pantsuits paired with red heels at Jil Sander, but others took it a step further. Prada served up an uplifting and irreverent take, with reds unabashedly taking their spotlight on stage.

Remaining mindful of the current economic scenario, but not letting that fact govern its creative process, a poppy red outfit stood out from amongst the rest of the muted colors at Fendi. Granted, the fall/winter season is still dominated by an austere palette of blacks and its dark spin-offs, but it will be the reds that will really stick in the mind.

Must have accessory: scarves

With the temperatures getting lower, it's certainly a good thing that scarves are one of the strongest trends this season.

Whether long, tasseled cowl necked or hooded, scarves were draped effortlessly over outfits on runways at Milan fashion week.

Missoni paid homage to oversized scarves, cleverly piled and layered one over another. Instead of being overwhelming and exaggerated, the multiple layers of scarves in soft warm tones that fell over the shoulders of silk dresses added texture and color without looking bulky. Similarly, heavy wool knit scarves were spotted on the runway at Dsquared2, tossed casually around the neck. Over at Burberry Prorsum, soft velvet scarves were worn cowl necked, the inner lining of their signature plaid peeking out just slightly.

The accessory is a subtle complement to all kinds of outfits, whether it's modest, austere work suits, or long bohemian skirts, adding a finishing touch of extravagance.

Must have outfit: pantsuits

Drawing inspiration from the fashions of the 1980s, the urban chic clothes on this year's runways showcased an updated, more feminine interpretation of the man-tailored power suit. The new suits are less androgynous; the macho is balanced out with a gentle touch of femininity.

For instance, a small jacket and straight-cut pants matched with a floral embroidered top toned down the masculinity of the outfit through the use of soft, girlish details. Armani dressed its models in small fitted jackets and slim elasticized pants, but gave a womanly twist to its contemporary version of pantsuits by using elaborately patterned fabrics. Most of this year's designers built collections around sophisticated city clothes, preferring refined over raunchy and sensible instead of fancy. Going by the mantra of "modest extravagance," fashion houses mixed the clean lines of smart, tailored suits with whimsical moments of intense color and sparkling glitter.

At Gucci, slim pants were topped off with a dash of sprightly colors and striking patterns like checks and polka dots. The season's pantsuits featured sharp and smart silhouettes that were cleverly tailored to accentuate rather than hide feminine curves.




 

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