Bags of surprises

All tied up 

Summer sandals for women just became a little more complicated with the gladiator redux we saw strutting down the runways of Jacquemus, Etro and Gianvito Rossi.

While some styles have stayed true to the strappy sandals we knew from the early 1990s that coiled around knees or even thighs, there are now pared-down versions that merely wrap around the ankles. We see this new rendition with Valentino’s famous rockstuds in Milan or in the laid-back raffia sandals in Dior, while more outlandish design experiments grace the latest Tod’s collection.

Crazy for pearls

Multiple luxury brands are giving good reason to sport pearls on the most casual of days this season. There were pearls upon pearls at Chanel (no surprise!) as virtually almost every drop earring, bangle, neck and handbag was covered with the precious stone.

Similarly grand, Simone Rocha went gaga for pearls, which she used as beading for her ethereal garments that combine the contemporary (think trainers) with the opulent (think taffeta gowns).

Fringe benefits

Long fringes were a recurring theme at Valentino, where Pierpaolo Piccioli closed Milan Fashion Week with a sensible collection of pretty florals, delicate lace and fringed up garments.

Keeping with the boho element synonymous with spring/summer collections, Maria Grazia Chiuri at Dior designed a collection of casual multicoloured textile tote bags playfully accessorised with tassels.

Amping up the sexiness at Saint Laurent is a classic gold chain that falls mid-abdomen and ends with the most subtle of tassels.

Green with envy

Although Ultimate Gray and Illuminating made headlines as Pantone colours of the year, designers such as Michael Kors and Victoria Beckham would tell you that for them it’s a verdant shade of green, and others seem to agree.

A colour ripe for springtime, pastel green made its debut on calf-length coats and midi dresses at Hugo Boss and on slouchy clutch bags at Loewe.

Meanwhile an eye-catching chameleon green made waves on the runways of Versace, where the bright hue was splashed on socks, handbags and blazers. Billie Eilish, known for her neon green hair tips, would be thrilled.

Slip into style

It seems that comfort and convenience trump style when it comes to men’s footwear this season, as evidenced by the loafers and slip-on footwear presented at Dolce & Gabbana’s live show at Milan.

We also see this in the leather sandals worn with socks at Alessandro Michele’s menswear collection at Gucci. While loafers remain the quintessential slip-ons for the preppy man, we’re seeing much more diversity in material and styling this season.

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