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Versace, Cavalli and Etro at Milan Fashion Week

Day three of Milan Fashion Week brought us a tale of two halves. First to grace the runway was Moschino with their young fresh collection of cheerleader skirts, boy soldier accents and cowboy hats. The strangest of combinations that only seems to work because of the youthful, leggy models sporting the bizarrely childish looks. Fine tailoring saved the collection from looking amateurish, but there was definitely no serious overtone to this pell-mell menagerie.

[Related story: Armani, Jil Sanders and Emilio Pucci at MFW]

Next in the firing line was Etro with a collection that, whilst showcasing occasional trends seen elsewhere, very much made its own statement. Velvet paisley suits brought the richness we crave from a winter collection, whilst shimmering separates with chiffon shirts provided an alternative way of creating a graceful evening look. A mismatch of furs and patterns is a trend that Mian has made its own (see Lagerfeld's Fendi collection) but Etro made it unique with smoother lines and less bulky outerwear. A smart collection from a brand whose womenswear is soon to become bigger than its main menswear line.

As always, Just Cavalli gave us a collection brimming with patterns and prints that any St Tropez goer would adore, but this season's pieces held a maturity that they've lacked previously. Sleeveless boyfriend blazers over matching skirts with chiffon roll necks beneath made for some chic sixties officewear, and an outfit consisting of tweed capris and a knitted sweater made luxury casualwear a focus for the label. A well conceived collection, the deep turquoise palette provided the on trend edge that kept the looks current.

Neon Mongolian lamb coats opened the show at Blumarine, with matching bags and heeled trainers making for a slightly wild, semi sport-luxe look. Incredibly high shine metallics and loose fitting outerwear created a look that could only have been inspired from Brigitte Bardot on her way to the gym. Her signature backcombed hair was seen on all the models, whilst the accessories still maintained an elegance away from the sporty feel, which kept the looks wearable and user friendly.

Seemingly picking up where her brother left off, Donatella Versace gave us a continuation of the partly Gothic, partly glamorous collection that was left in the sketch books all those years ago. Armour-like coat dresses and tight throated pieces constricted the models and chain mail mixed with velvet portrayed the submissive opulence that Donatella Versace wanted to balance. Bright bags were the only colour punches in the otherwise dark palette, whilst seamed tights with fishnet detailing gave an overtly sexual edge to the collection. Never to be a trend follower, Versace created her own collection with her own rules. The perfect way to end the day.