Milan Fashion Week: Marni autumn/winter 2012

Marni forgoes its signature prints for high-impact block colour and lean, clean lines.

When Phoebe Philo and Raf Simons fever took hold of the cognoscenti, it seemed that Marni would have to step out of the spotlight for a while. It's true that the label no longer commands the fanatical cult following among the front-rowers that it used to - although what's the betting the fash-ed count will be sky-high when the Marni collection launches in H&M in a couple of weeks? How did she bring it in on budget? Or will it be the loss-leader bargain of the century? Consuelo Castiglioni laughed when I asked her backstage. "I can only say H&M is amazing. Their factories, their sourcing... I was really surprised. The only things we couldn't do were jacquards and fur."

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Milan Fashion Week trends autumn/winter 2012

From leopard print to gothica, we round up the trends that matter from Milan Fashion Week autumn/winter 2012.

Stuck on repeat
Repeat patterns were evident in so many of the Milan collections that it's almost easier to count which didn't have them. Clashing bright colours, geometric shapes, and different fabrics, they are the perfect way to fit more into your outfit.
Left to right: Prada, Versus, Antonio Marras, DSquared2, Prada

Sunset strip
Brights were all the colours of the sunset, with nearly every collection boasting citrus yellows, deep oranges or paint-box reds.
Left to right:Versace, Moschino, Jil Sander, Marni, Giorgio Armani

Sheer glamour
Red carpet-worthy dresses all had sheer panels or see-through over-skirts for pretty but sexy style.
Left to right: Dolce & Gabbana, Salvatore Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci, Alberta Ferretti

Stuck on repeat
Repeat patterns were evident in so many of the Milan collections that it's almost easier to count which didn't have them. Clashing bright colours, geometric shapes, and different fabrics, they are the perfect way to fit more into your outfit.
Left to right: Prada, Versus, Antonio Marras, DSquared2, Prada

Milanese Leopard
No surprises here: fashion's infatuation with leopard print continues, and where better than the most glamorous fashion city, Milan to showcase the print at its best.
Left to right: Blumarine, Roberto Cavalli, Just Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana

Printed velvet
The thick luxe fabric had a makeover this season, with complex designs, bright colours and prints.
Left to right: Emporio Armani, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Emporio Armani

Heads up
Hats had a big presence on the Milan catwalks with everything from cowboys, caps, stetsons and berets making an appearance.
Left to right: MaxMara, DSquared2, Moschino, Roberto Cavalli, Emporio Amarni

For fur's sake
It doesn't matter what colour, shape, size or style - if Milan fashion dictates your style, you'd better have some fur.
Left to right: Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Alberta Ferretti, Alberta Ferretti, Fendi

Monochromatic
Black-and-white prints were the colour palette of the Milan catwalk season, with zebra, paint splatters, grid patterns and stripes all getting a monochrome makeover.
Left to right: Just Cavalli, Marni, Just Cavalli, Versace

Gothica
Black lace, capes, and crosses were just some of the items to hit the Milan runways, which had a love affair with all things gothic this season.
Left to right: Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta

Silver sirens
Milan turned to metallic for its shine fix this season - it was on everything from sequins and leather to thick brocade.
Left to right: Blumarine, Anteprima, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Emilio Pucci

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