The ChicBuzz

There are many layers to a man, and especially to his wardrobe and this was the key message from Milan’s menswear fashion week.  Cardigans were worn under jackets, jackets were worn under coats – all to give a multi-layered effect to autumn/winter’s man. We saw every colour under the sun on the catwalks, from dark greys and moody blacks, to jovial yellows and look-at-me pinks, with no two collections being alike. It is the season of the individual, a season for every male to be alpha if only by declaring his independence of dress sense. Whether he prefers a tailored cut jacket, or a floral shirt, it is each to his own this autumn/winter.  Here were our favourite collections:

Missoni

 Layers upon layers were the theme of the Missoni collection, with knitwear being a staple in the Missoni man’s wardrobe. The collection did not shy away from a high-collared shirts, to slim-fitting corduroy pants, shown in primarily dark colours such as plum or burgundy, creating a sober feel to the show.

Alexander McQueen 

It’s official; if you wear Alexander McQueen you’re going to be making a statement. Sarah Burton has carried on Lee McQueen’s legacy by offering a creative take on each season and autumn/winter is especially strong.

The Saville Row style tailoring was also a nod to her predecessor’s foray into fashion as an apprentice tailor.

Spot on for the dandies of this world, the foppish scarves tried around the neck, along with the striped trousers and sateen sportswear, would make Oscar Wilde proud. Striped and jumpers gave the collection a nautical feel, and the bright red and floral baby yellow jackets gave a factor of fun to the McQueen man.

Burberry Prorsum

Autumn/winter is the season of the gentlemen for Burberry.  Fitted tweed jackets and debonaire tailoring are the name of the game, with a nod to the public school boy with striped ties and scarves.

We particularly liked the fox heads printed on various garments, which were a tongue-in-cheek approach to the very British obsession with countryside garb.

It’s all about the double layering for Burberry; throwing a quilted bomber over fitted blazers is certainly a way to keep warm and stylish during the colder months. And you can’t forget the very stylish bags the Burberry boys carried around with them – perfect the gent that’s on the go.

Prada

Prada has been ever privy to fantastical lifestyles and its designs seek to create them for its customers – this show was no exception. The collection was not for the casual hearted – its mood was for the powerful man, he who lounges around the house in a silk robe and wears pinstripes for work, encased by a luxe fur–collared woollen coat.

Every model wore a shirt and tie in an array of lilacs, greens and blues, coupled with a tailored coat in blazer form, or a belted trench. This gent wouldn’t be seen without his sunglasses, which were either on, or peeping out of every jacket front pocket. He exuded confidence, and was the prime example of Prada’s elegance, of which men of every age will be envious.

Versace

In autumn/winter, the Versace gent is ultra glamorous – he wears bejewelled Brando caps, chains, faux military insignia and, of course, the pinstripe suit.

Sleeveless denim jackets were styled with an, ‘I’ve just rolled into town’ attitude, and highlighted the more laid-back persona of the Versace man.

Models strutted up and down the catwalks in boots of all design, from lace-ups, to calf-length boots, which contrasted with smart suits and fluoro  two pieces that shone loud and proud.

This show was all about dressing without fear of being judged – a chance to strut and be looked at in all of your  flora-patterned proudness.

Armani

Armani’s autumn/winter collection exuded wealth with traditional tweeds and double-breasted coats. Models wore quilted overcoats and velvet trousers, which, while looking expensive, were entirely wearable.  Colours were blacks, dark blues, and charcoal greys.

One of our favourite looks was the electric blue coat, which would help any man to stand out from the crowd, so needs to be paired with understated trousers and shirts.

There were several looks in this collection, ranging from racing driver, to rock star and debonair gentleman, allowing the Armani man to be any man he chooses to be each and every day.

Gucci

Velvet evening jackets were paired with satin trousers for a decadent look, perfect for a crisp Italian night.  The men were ever-so-aristocratic and polished looking in plums, midnight blues, browns and warm burgundies.

Completing the look were knitted jumpers and warm, tailored coats with woollen collars. Patterned bags, perfect for travel, were in tow, with plenty of room for the travelling gent.

Dolce and Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana were theatrical and stylish this season, with their models showing off silk pyjamas as day wear, embroidered jackets and velvet to boot.

Luxury – that’s what we’ll see in the colder months, framed embroidery, so detailed that it’s fit for a royal. The princes of Dolce & Gabbana looked the part too, and not a detail was spared – even the brogues had intricate patterns on them. Trousers complemented the look in muted greys and blacks, offsetting the palette of golds and rich colours in the embroidery.

Vivienne Westwood

Rich-looking two pieces paraded down the catwalk, punctuated with floral bow ties and checkered suits – all the norm for the Vivienne Westwood man.  As if to reiterate the cold, the men sported pale blue lips and icicle-fringed hair, which Westwood has admitted were inspired by David Attenborough’s Frozen Planet.

The  beautifully cut suits, chalk-stripe trousers and glossy-toed Oxford shoes juxtaposed the shredded jumpers and Union Jack shoes which is a perfect reflection of Westwood herself – serious, and yet ironic.

You can buy Missoni at Bicester Village and Fidenza Village

Tags: Alexander McQueen, Armani, Burberry, Chic Outlet Shopping®, Fidenza Village, Gucci, Missoni, Prada, t Bicester Village, Versace, Vivienne Westwood