Milan brings sexy back

What one editor refers to as Julia Roberts' wardrobe in the first half of the film Pretty Woman, another praises as being the new sexy silhouette. Either way, the Milan spring summer 07 shows had one thing in common; next season is sexy, sexy, sexy.

If Dolce & Gabbana's show was anything to go by, we will all be wearing bare legs, mini skirts, shorter than short dresses, corsets and shiny leather. For retailers, however, the runway dazzle and excess sexiness could overshadow wearability for customers. According to Womens Wear Daily, retailers said they were reassured to find the Italian's mainstay of beautifully crafted, commercially viable clothes and accessories in the showroom, proving catwalk antics don't necessarily affect the order books.

"The runways have been lacking in relevant day clothes for today's women living real lives," said Michael Fink, vice president and women's fashion director at Saks Fifth Avenue. "Thankfully, we have found these clothes in showrooms and presentations that do not require spectacle to make a statement." Other buyers were even more upbeat about Milan's approach to spring and thought Milan was charged with youthful energy.

In one week, fashion has brought back color, shine and uncomplicated sexiness. Short dresses, miniskirts and metallic and patent accessories were cited as key directions for spring and summer, while the most widely praised collections included Marni, Giorgio Armani, Burberry Prorsum, Jil Sander and newcomer 6267.