Milan Latest

Milan Latest

This afternoon, Alessandra Facchinetti went against the grain and debuted a spring-ready collection for Uniqueness, available to buy online now. Meanwhile, Antonio Marras’ showgirl-inspired extravaganza was as theatrical as can be, with collage-style coats and bold red floral motifs.Rumours abound this afternoon that Hedi Slimane may replace Stefano Pilati as creative director of Yves Saint Laurent. Pilati’s contract with the French fashion house is due to expire next month – and until now the house has continually denied reports of his impending departure as well as additional rumours that he will be replaced by Raf Simons. Raf Simons made a tearful exit following his final Jil Sander show this afternoon, having sent out elegant cashmere coats in pale pink and tan, metallic leather dresses and bustier tops. Romantic, nostalgic and a beautiful final chapter in Simons’ career at the fashion house. After being named The Women In Film MaxMara Face of the Future 2012 this week, Chloe Moretz appeared in the front row at Sportmax this afternoon – taking in a collection of sleek, modern sportwear paired with chunky wedge boots.You had to be quick to catch all of the Emporio Armani collection this morning. Not only were the models sent down the catwalk two-by-two, or even six-by-six – but each look was layered, and detailed, and accessorised as only Mr Armani can.Vogue’s Francesca Burns hailed this morning’s Bottega Veneta show as Thomas Maier’s “best ever” since joining the label in 2001. Cashmere dresses with leather detailing, princess coats and Forties-style day dresses all added to the impact of a collection that was “vintage luxury balanced with modern allure”. Last night’s Versace show was a return to the overt Versace sexiness of old – not for Donatella the pastel hues of the past few seasons: this season she wants to dress her woman in darkly sparkly, overtly sexual creations. The show also saw another outing for super-short Rooney Mara fringes (already seen at Calvin Klein Collection and Antonio Berardi amongst other places), with models backstage spending hours having fake fringes applied and trimmed.