The dark romanticism of Gucci was unleashed upon the catwalk on the opening day of Milan Fashion Week yesterday. Frida Giannini delved into her love of the pre-Raphaelite era in producing her Autumn / Winter 2012-13 ready-to-wear collection.

Models flaunted 19th century-inspired brocades, chiffon dresses, ruffled collars and jacquards. With the decadence at the forefront of her mind, Giannini added all the luxury components of fur, silk, velvet and leather to her Edwardian-esque looks which seemed to be produced up of layer upon layer of garments. In contrast to the billowing gowns, there was also a strong equestrian theme which comprised of Gucci’s signature leather riding boots in flat types and trousers that had been reminiscent of jodhpurs.

But back to the billowing gowns… Gucci did not fail in adding the glam aspect to her most recent collection. With the Oscars just over the horizon (psst: it really is on Sunday – don’t miss our extensive coverage!) Giannini offered floor-length halterneck dresses in a moody floral print, sheer asymmetrical numbers adorned in shimmery embellishments and plunging neckline versions with long sleeves in alluring forest green and velvet variations.

Catwalk Queen

College Fashion

Kanye West &amp Co sitting front row at Mark Fast. Photo: Getty Pictures

Although Kanye West has been holed up in London operating on his fall collection—and his new album—the rapper only created it to one particular London Fashion Week show on the last day: Mark Fast‘s.   A far cry from the days he was spotted in almost each and every front row from Christopher Kane to Vivienne Westwood, rumor has it the lone appearance is due to Fast’s new gig behind the scenes at West’s label.  West’s debut collection, shown in the course of Paris Fashion Week this past October, was created with support from Louise Goldin, the Central St. Martin’s grad identified for tight, vivid knits and utilizing surprising fabrics like lurex and metallics in otherwise traditional knitting patterns.

Rapidly, yet another St. Martin’s alum, first triggered a splash three years ago when he sent plus size models down his runway wearing physique-hugging knit dresses.  Now they’re worn by it-girls from Julia Roitfeld to Rihanna, making him a solid selection for West’s design team.  Sounds like we’ll have to wait till the designer shows his second collection in Paris (9:30 PM on March 6th) to uncover out if Fast genuinely is involved—and what he can do for the brand.

ELLE Dispatch

Kanye West & Co sitting front row at Mark Fast. Photo: Getty Images

Though Kanye West has been holed up in London working on his fall collection—and his new album—the rapper only made it to one London Fashion Week show on the last day: Mark Fast‘s.   A far cry from the days he was spotted in nearly every front row from Christopher Kane to Vivienne Westwood, rumor has it the lone appearance is due to Fast’s new gig behind the scenes at West’s label.  West’s debut collection, shown during Paris Fashion Week this past October, was designed with help from Louise Goldin, the Central St. Martin’s grad known for tight, bright knits and using surprising fabrics like lurex and metallics in otherwise traditional knitting patterns.

Fast, another St. Martin’s alum, first caused a splash three years ago when he sent plus size models down his runway wearing body-hugging knit dresses.  Now they’re worn by it-girls from Julia Roitfeld to Rihanna, making him a solid choice for West’s design team.  Sounds like we’ll have to wait until the designer shows his second collection in Paris (9:30 PM on March 6th) to find out if Fast really is involved—and what he can do for the brand.

ELLE Dispatch

Kanye West & Co sitting front row at Mark Fast. Photo: Getty Images

Though Kanye West has been holed up in London working on his fall collection—and his new album—the rapper only made it to one London Fashion Week show on the last day: Mark Fast‘s.   A far cry from the days he was spotted in nearly every front row from Christopher Kane to Vivienne Westwood, rumor has it the lone appearance is due to Fast’s new gig behind the scenes at West’s label.  West’s debut collection, shown during Paris Fashion Week this past October, was designed with help from Louise Goldin, the Central St. Martin’s grad known for tight, bright knits and using surprising fabrics like lurex and metallics in otherwise traditional knitting patterns.

Fast, another St. Martin’s alum, first caused a splash three years ago when he sent plus size models down his runway wearing body-hugging knit dresses.  Now they’re worn by it-girls from Julia Roitfeld to Rihanna, making him a solid choice for West’s design team.  Sounds like we’ll have to wait until the designer shows his second collection in Paris (9:30 PM on March 6th) to find out if Fast really is involved—and what he can do for the brand.

ELLE Dispatch

Fashionista

February 22nd, 2012 by kpriss | Fast Links

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Jessica Chastain wore a green gown with lace cut-outs from Elie Saab’s spring 2012 collection to a party for the 40th anniversary of Charlie Chaplin’s honorary Academy Award in Los Angeles last night. She looks pretty phenomenal in green, but what do you consider about her affinity for cinched-in waists? Does it make her look bulgy (when she’s certainly not), or does it accent her figure? Either way, we know it can’t be good for her nerves.

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