>> The backstage antics just don't stop. From salutes to smirks to piggyback posing, the first few days in Milan have certainly not been lacking in fun. Click through to get in on all the behind-the-scenes action — starring Fendi's modern warrior princesses, Max Mara's Metropolis-inspired minimalists, Gucci's gothic heroines, and more — right here, in the slideshow.
For Max Mara's Fall 2012 collection, it was all about "twenties and Bauhaus rationalism" made for "the strong, determined woman, like Emmeline Pankhurst and the suffragettes." The results? A robust artillery of militant-inspired cashmere coats, cropped trousers, and leather-embossed separates. A luxurious touch was injected into every look; cashmere jumpsuits were embellished with leather tabs and pea coats were styled with fluid silk trousers, most of which were paired with an array of leather and knit legwarmers. Standouts included an oyster-hued silk wrap dress paired with a double-faced leather and shearling oversized coat. More highlights from the collection below.
>> Max Mara's Fall 2012 collection mixed the stark aesthetic of Fritz Lang's Metropolis with a hint of Bauhaus architecture. The result? A moody assortment of clean-lined cocoon shapes and drop-waist silhouettes tinged with military sensibility. Angora, camel, cashmere, fur, and a sprinkling of stripes added texture — and luxury.
Max Mara delivered an expectedly minimalist Spring 2012 collection, but this season there was an extra lean, sporty element. Think racerback tanks and capri leggings, delivered in colorblocked palettes of aqua, tan, and cream, which might be unwearable for most of us, but thankfully there were loosely structured anoraks, sporty gold lurex jackets, and balloon tunics with which to layer. It was a stripped-down collection that seemed focused on silhouettes, specifically a trim silhouette, and the only fashion fat came from the use of gold lurex and leather to add depth.
>> Karolina Kurkova staged a high fashion comeback on the Spring 2011 runways, and now she's got the campaigns to seal the deal. First up? Max Mara, shot by Mario Sorrenti, which is now out in full. And to look forward to: the Bottega Veneta and Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2011 campaigns.
>> As Milan Fashion Week stretches on and the buildup to Paris begins, more top girls keep coming out of the woodwork: first there was Raquel Zimmermann in her first appearance of the season at Gucci, then Sasha Pivovarova at D&G, and now Kinga Rajzak staging a runway comeback — see her backstage at Max Mara and Versace, plus catch a behind the scenes look at Bottega Veneta, Emporio Armani, Just Cavalli, and Antonio Marras.
Photos: Greg Kessler
