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.

LFW SS12 Highlight: Burberry

Every fashion week there is always one designer which stands out from the rest in my mind. This year there were so many candidates for this crown. Christopher Kane's sublime take on summer of love complete with sheer floral embellished dresses looked so current and so nostalgic at the same time. 

Christopher Kane SS12

Vivienne Westwood didn't disappoint and her grandiose and anarchist collection of deconstructed pinstriped suits and draped dresses. The fact Viv's BFF Pamela Anderson made an appearance on the front row made the whole show even better. 

Pamela Anderson at Vivienne Westwood SS12

However, the one that really stood out to me was Burberry. The whole of London was a-buzz with Christopher Bailey's new offerings and the fash-pash came out in droves to view his collection. Burberry muse and face of their Body fragrance, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley , looked fantastic in a bright orange trench coat and leather trousers. Not to mention Anna Wintor, Mario Testino, Kanye West, Sarah Jessica Parker and Alexa Chung. Phew.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley with Christopher Bailey

Part of the front row at Burberry

There were definitely Oriental and tribal touches to the collection with dresses embellished with brightly-coloured beading, crochet collars and bold prints. It was certainly one of the most colourful collections we have seen from Burberry in a while and I loved the freshness and vibrancy of it all. Of course, if there is one thing I will be channelling from the collection right now, it is the playful bobble hats that adorned the models heads. Cute and perfect for Winter.

Burberry SS12

If you are and impatient soul and want the SS12 Burberry look right now, there are plenty of ways you can go about it...

All the skirts were below the knee and around mid-calf length. Classy and refreshingly cool there are plenty of versions on the High Street. 

Burberry SS12

This one from American Apparel is my favourite:

Chambray Mid-Length Skirt, £48, available at American Apparel. 

The classic beige trench took on a distinctly more colourful twist. There was also plenty of detailing on the top, giving it a modern touch. 

This one from the Outnet is a good alternative:

See by Chloe Embroidered Linen Coat, £520 £260, available at the Outnet.

Now for the accessories. The all-important bobble hats shone in the collection and, best of all, this is the perfect look for Winter. 

Burberry SS12

This one from Pure Luxuries will give you an instant update:

Seven Gauge Studios Chevron Bobble Hat, £25, available at Pure Luxuries.

The other important accessory seen on the runway was the humble waist belt. Given a new twist by being worn over chunky coats and dresses, it is a simple but highly affective way to get the Burberry look. 

Burberry SS12

This All Saints number is perfect:

Cassandra Wide Waisted Belt, £85 £42.50, available at All Saints. 

M x