Going Loco In Milano

Dolce and Gabbana has always been synonymous with glitz, glamour and luxury. When I think of the label, I think of floor length sequinned numbers, glittery mini skirts and skyscraping heels. That is why I was more than a little surprised to see their grocery themed SS12 collection at Milan Fashion Week last week. The carnival-style show was soundtracked by Mambo Italiano and raised more than a few eyebrows in the crowd.

Corgette print, Dolce and Gabbana SS12

Chilli print, Dolce and Gabbana SS12

Aubergine print, Dolce and Gabbana SS12

Big, bold vegetable prints ran through the collection- think onions, tomatoes, chilli peppers and onions. Ingeniously, there was also the odd courgette popping up all over the place. In full Latino mood, designs included full skirted dresses, pencil skirts and off-the-shoulder peasant tops. It might all sound a bit bonkers for our British sensibilities but, as a collection, it looked modern, fresh and vibrant.

Onion print, Dolce and Gabanna SS12

Tomato print, Dolce and Gabbana SS12

I know what you are thinking. I might be fine for the jet-setting Milano señoritas to dress top-to-toe in a bright red tomato skirt suit but walk down the street like that in Rochdale and a trail of laughter will follow you round all day.

The key is to be inspired by Mr Dolce and Mr Gabbana's carnival creations but not follow the look head-to-toe. The perfect way to do this is with accessories. If you find the whole vegetable look a bit scary, fruit print is the way to go.  

These melon-print gladiator sandals from Suno are spot on:

Suno Melon Print Gladiator Sandals, £425 £210, available at Browns. 

Dolce and Gabbanas models might have had chillies and tomatoes dangling from their ears but these banana earrings from Asos do the trick just as well:

Banana earrings, £6 £4.50, available at Asos. 

Of course, if all this fruit and veg seems a bit wrong for the colder months, a quick injection of colour is nice nod to the trend without going overboard.

This zesty and cool watch from Italian brand O Clock is great:

Orange O Clock Watch, £34.95, available at Pure Luxuries.

As a big fan of American Apparels nail polishes, I also recommend this neon yellow shade for an unexpected and quirky addition to your look:

Neon Yellow Nail Polish, £9, available at American Apparel.