Marooned in Milan…
Eye on the Buy/News from Fashion’s Front Lines
I know you probably think a weekend buying trip to Milan and Paris to write Versace and then Chanel is positively glamorous. I used to think so too – until I started doing it. Even when the weather cooperates – which is certainly not the word I would use to describe the foot of messy snow that closed Milan’s two airports and shuttered the city this past weekend, leaving even David Beckham on the outside unable to get in – the trip is a whirlwind of writing appointments punctuated by meals that might have been memorable but for the fact that I’m generally too exhausted to remember them.
The glamorous version is this. Reading material in hand, you take a relaxing late-Friday afternoon flight from JFK into Milano’s Linate Airport. You breakfast Saturday morning at the luxurious Four Seasons, which will invigorate you for your day’s writing appointment at Versace’s chic Via Gesu palazzo. After breezing through the appointment, you enjoy the sensuous sights and sounds of Milan as you make your way back to Linate, read your way over to Paris where you dine elegantly and sleep soundly before heading to write Chanel the next day.
Reality. With an alert level at orange, JFK has definitely lost some of its allure. Second, it’s hard to appreciate the sights and sounds of Milan when you’re driving to and from the airport in white-out conditions. Third, since a kindle has to be turned off until flying altitude is reached, it’s utterly useless when you’re marooned for hours on the runway waiting for the blizzard to momentarily subside so that you can take off. In fact, it only adds extra weight to your snow-wilted Chanel caviar maxi. Fourth, try to ignore the question that keeps popping into your mind about how much time after deicing you have before the plane should be airborne. And finally, let’s be clear on this one – a blizzard has troubling affects on Brazilian-straightened hair.
But there’s always good to balance things out. Versace’s collection is based on the continued use of mixed media – stretch wool and Japanese jersey against leather or ribbed details. Brushed gold metal details frame fabrics and couture tulle and other fabrics finish jackets and dresses. Knitwear is important. The silk prints of the season – Ceramic Garden and Winter Paradise (how fitting) – both drawing inspiration from the iconic prints of Gianni Versace are great.
And Chanel presents yet another strong collection. Knits are an important element. Rich tweeds abound, some woven loose to feel like knit. Quilting is also a collection element, and the use of greys and silvers creates an understated subtle feel. Long envelope jacket silhouettes are prominent throughout the collection. In addition to wool, cashmere and faux fur, there is an amazing cool vintagy-feeling leather that is pretty irresistible. Look for the Karl bag. You won’t be disappointed.
So, that’s all the news from fashion’s front lines. Until the next installment of Eye on the Buy, I am signing off. Affectionately and Humorously Yours, Lori Hirshleifer Sills.
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