Milan F/W 2011 Menswear Recap: What's Hot, What's Not

Posted by Alexandra | Monday January 24, 2011

Unlike the changing landscape of women's fashion, menswear generally stays true to form and convention. "To evolve you have to reinvent what you already have,” said Tomas Maier, creative director at Bottega Veneta.

Filled with subdued color palettes, fitted suits (leather and cashmere), bold splashes of color and BAGS, BAGS, BAGS, this F/W 2011 Milan Fashion Week took the essentials of men's fashion and added some personality. Here are some of our favorites, plus a few looks we hope won't stick.

We were reminded of some delicious movie stereotypes from the Collections We Loved:

DSquared2 ("Cold Mountain", left) brought leathers, denim, and a muted color palette of blues, blacks and greys. Thick framed glasses and felt hats lent a nerdy but chic vibe.

Salvatore Ferragamo ("Saturday Night Fever", centre) was a sensual throwback to the '70s. We couldn't help but imagine being whisked away in the middle of the night by the scruffy-faced models. Simply irresistible!

Ermenegildo Zegna ("Indiana Jones", right) brought out the explorer, with tweeds and leathers. Subtle east Asian influences left us wanting to explore more from this chic line!

Honorable Mentions:

Bottega Veneta (left) had neutral basics popped with bold colour! Distressed brown leather jackets were particular standouts.

No one did color quite like Jil Sander (centre) in Milan this week. Even though the bold tones won't have universal appeal, it was a visually stimulating collection among the other muted color palettes from other designers. The real winner here is the gorgeous tailoring.

Gucci (right) was, of course, effortlessly chic. Fitted suits, simple rich colours integrated into a neutral palette, and expensive fabrics keeps this label a perennial favourite.

Favorite Accessories:

Bags from Giorgio Armani (top) and Bottega Veneta (bottom); Belts from Versace (t) and Ermenegildo Zegna (b); and Glasses from DSquared2 (t) and Ermenegildo Zegna (b)

Trends We'd Nominate to SKIP:

Prada gets a thumbs down for their unfortunate reminder of the early 90’s. Box jackets, mixed patterns that clash, and confusing colour pairings were not our cup of tea. Double thumbs down goes to Vivienne Westwood for Red Lipstick and High Waisted Tapered Trousers. Yes, we know both are all the rage for women. Let's leave it at that, shall we?

Which trends would you like your man to follow?

Image credits: Style.com, Canada.com

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8 Comments

	on January 27, 2011 dolce_bellissima 4,214 said: I have to share this: I just showed my dad this article, and we get to the bottom (trends we would skip), and he looks at the pictures and he says..."Why would a guy put on lipstick, and then draw on a mustache? I don't get it".. lol I thought it was hilarious.
	on January 24, 2011 MaryD 662 said: That lipstick is doing NOTHING for his complexion.
	on January 24, 2011 dolce_bellissima 4,214 said: I am loving the thick black framed glasses... and suspenders (the bags are great too)! I hope we see more of those on the street... I cannot stop looking at these pictures, Milan F/W 2011 fashionweek had some really incredible talent, and wearable collections!
	on January 24, 2011 mamaluv STAFF said: @dolce - agreed, my friend. AGREED.
	on January 24, 2011 dolce_bellissima 4,214 said: Both Prada and V.Westwood were huge disappointments for me this season! All I kept thinking was "what were THEY thinking?!?!". With that said, DSquared2 and Salvatore Ferragamo (YUM) were incredible beyond words. If I could dress my man like that everyday... oh my.
	on January 24, 2011 mamaluv STAFF said: @Ali - agreed. That dude with the stogey, cranberry red lips, high waisted pants, and narsty gray sweater with the thingies (love vultures??) is particularly va-va-voom!
	on January 24, 2011 Ali de Bold STAFF said: Oh those trends we'd like to skip. I know the runway can be more theoretical/inspirational but anything inspired by those looks is unattractive. Guys please ignore. I beg you.
	on January 24, 2011 LaurenBlair 128 said: I get really excited when I see a man that can carry a bag and still look masculine. The Armani is awesome!