Pucci's a stunner in Milan

Notwithstanding Christian Lacroix's imminent departure from Pucci, he managed to create a stunning last collection, which was unveiled in Milan on Tuesday.

Elaborating on the famous Pucci print, which has represented jet set glamour since its inception in the fifties, Lacroix sent his models down the catwalk in ton-sur-ton embroidered cotton summer dresses, print tops and dresses and trousers in vibrant turquoises and hot pinks, and sheer silk blouson kaftans cinched on the hip. He added to the repertoire with monochromatic basics, such as tops, shorts, trousers and skirts.

A surprising addition was a striking gold trench. He also included a gorgeous, cut-away black evening dress and sheer, voile lavish column dress in pale turquoise with beading around the décolleté. His silhouettes were decidedly sixties, recalling the glamour of Jackie O and Marella Agnelli. Baby-doll tops were slightly more fitted around the chest than we saw this past summer, with more of a focus on the waist.

The scene depicted was one of old-fashioned glamour and downright prettiness, expressed so well in the countless evening and day-time dresses, designed to bring out the best in its wearers.

Meanwhile, Marni also unveiled its spring summer 2006 collection on Tuesday. The collection by Consuelo Castiglioni was another study in accidental fashion must-have items. A compilation of odd shapes that combine to create a casual yet sophisticated silhouette that has copycats in jitters is by now a Marni trademark. Roomy dusters in charcoal greys, chocolate brown and in ochre with a dainty flower print cinched at the waist, over loose skirts and three-quarter length spacious tops appeared along with long, empire-waist, column dresses in greens and shades of dark washes of blue. Short, unstructured jackets with wide raglan sleeves stopping mid-forearm, reminiscent of the fifties, were also popular again.

Tuesday also saw the unveiling of collections by Prada and Alberta Ferretti. Monday's shows included Emporio Armani, Philosophy by Alberta Ferretti, Pollini by Rifat Ozbek and D&G. Bottega Veneta and Burberry Prorsum, Jil Sander, Giorgio Armani, Gucci and Missoni unveiled their collections on Wednesday.