milan fashion week: art vs. usability.

This year Milan fashion week featured a lot of pieces that were more wearable rather than artistic, as Milan is known is for. Even in the lines that stayed true to their artistic messages and inspirational motives, there still existed wearable pieces, even if it was just a pair of leggings or shoes. The styles were tamer than normal, which is probably a reflection of the struggle and desparation for peace now. I never really realized how much of an effect events in the world have on fashion. It's wonderful that designers take into account what's going on while they are creating clothing, because it expresses further that there is more to fashion than what we see. It conveys that what we wear is a parallel of what we've been through, what we believe in, and what we are currently facing.

Some of the transparent fashions were obviously not practical, but what I really like what they suggested, and I am eager to see more transparency used in wearable ways in stores soon. I am also very interested to see how the outrageously tall shoes will transfer into the market. Personally, I am slowly getting over flats, and I would love to see more girls putting effort back into looking good by sporting the pain-stakingly high heels. I feel that I will be entering the business world at fashion's business peak, based on the transformations of the once simple and unflattering, now proffessionally sexed-up suit. Another trend I was really glad to see were the exaggerated sillouhettes that somehow remained true to the shape of a woman. Dolce and Gabbana mastered this: I was also impressed with the balance Dolce&Gabbana sustained between over the top artistic and completley wearable. While there are many beautiful ideas and feelings that are provoked from this dress:
, you can also see how the flowers in a lesser amount would transfer beautifully to a wearable outfit.


All in all it was fascinating to see the contrast between the designers who stayed true to the artistic spirit of Milan week, and the designers who toned down in lue of our current crises. What was even more fascinating were the designers who did both in the same line, and somehow avoided an abrupt interruption in the flow of their lines. From victorian inspired to 60s inspired, to 20's inspired.... Milan was full of surprises, exaggerated and simplistic.









((ALL PICTURES COURTESY OF STYLE.COM))