Fashion Month is coming to a close with Fashion Weeks in the two fashion capitals of the world — Milan and Paris. The first stop is Milan, with the first half of the week featuring shows from John Richmond, Ermanno Scervino, Roccobarocco, Ports 1961, Moschino, Just Cavalli, Iceberg and Versace.
My favourite collections from the first half of the week include:
Gucci Spring/Summer 2013

Frida Giannini for Gucci has presented a collection that may rival the overshadowing trend of oriental prints and Japanese garment construction, with exotic monochromatic Mediterranean dresses in a block of eye-blinding colours. To complete the collection, Frida has also designed a series of highly embellished jewellery, based on the intricacy of Mediterranean jewellery design, and thus fighting the current trend of delicate Japanese garments with full force.

Alberta Ferretti Spring/Summer 2013

Alberta Ferretti's dresses are ethereal in look and delicate in nature, the calming colour palette adding to the angelic qualities of the collection

Emporio Armani Spring/Summer 2013

Emporio Armani brings dynamic cuts, displaced colour blocks and geometric prints into their latest collection

Prada Spring/Summer 2013
Miuccia Prada's latest collection channels traditional Japanese fashion design and approaches it with the contemporary market in mind. The collection is abundant in minimal floral motifs, architectural silhouettes and the quirky addition of Ninja-style shoes and Geisha platforms.... which is an acquired taste. On a sidenote, this collection is one that rivals Proenza Schouler's AW12 collection, with both collections encompassing oriental prints and Japanese garment construction. In comparison, Proenza Schouler's garments were maximalist whilst Prada's are minimal. I'm keen to see how Prada's collection will fare against Proenza Schouler's when it hits the market!

Etro Spring/Summer 2013
Etro's latest collection is a combination of both the Japanese and Mediterranean inspired garments which are currently on trend. Kimono shirts are juxtaposed against Mediterranean tunics, vivid colours are splashed onto dresses inspired by traditional Spanish dancers, and Japanese robes are given a Mediterranean element with off the shoulder cuts. Overall, this collection celebrates the fusion of different styles of fashion design which flows throughout most, if not all, fashion designers' collections nowadays.
Sportmax Spring/Summer 2013

Sportmax's collection is a harmonic representation of how a subtle colour palette  complements heavy and stiff garments, lessening its weight on the viewer and the wearer

Gabriele Colangelo Spring/Summer 2013

Gabriele has chosen the popular colour palette of orange, blue and white and has applied it to his minimalist designs, inspired by Japanese silhouettes, offering a unique option for women for Spring/Summer

All images courtesy of Fashionising

All runway shows can be viewed on FashionTV and FataleFashionII 's Youtube Channels