Highlights F/W 2012 Milan

I consider Milan to be the Godmother of all fashion capitals. Held in high regard by all fashion lovers, but let's admit it, at times a bit traditional, old fashioned even. This city has got a weakness for anything classic and slick. Nothing wrong with that, but I have a soft spot for boldness and experiment in fashion. That's why I took the liberty to make my own selection of the best collections of Fall/Winter 2012. The third part of my fashion week quartet! Enjoy!

Bathrobe Grace

Jill Sander, F/W 2012, Milan

It's with regret we see Raf Simons leave the German house of Jill Sander. The Belgian creator has worked six years to lend Jill Sander the youthful and trendy allure it has today. But the return of Mrs. Sander herself send Simons on his way. For this fall collection he was inspired by home wear. The long beautiful coats were held close by the models themselves or were left undone like bathrobes. The soft color palette was reminiscent of the glow of indoor lighting. This softness stood in high contrast with the black dresses shown at the closure of the show.

Cloudy Emerald

Piazza Sempione, F/W 2012, Milan

This collection makes me long for next fall and winter isn't even over yet! Piazza Sempione's clothes have a very down to earth feel and are truly wearable. The short parkas look both amazing and practical. These are pieces for women who still dare to be girls.

Sci-fi Heaven

Fendi, F/W 2012, Milan

Avatar meets The Matrix. In a fabulous way. Fake fur, leather, sixties eyewear, 19th century footwear, snake skin leggings, they all came together in an amazing cocktail at the Fendi show. I couldn't resist including some pictures of the shoes. Fendi got inspired by the 19th century for this amazing shoe wear. Must Haves!

Presidential with a Twist

Gabriele Colangelo, F/W 2012, Milan

There isn't a thing I don't like about this elegant, understated collection. The over-accentuated waists are very flattering and embrace the feminine figure. It wouldn't surprise me if Colangelo looked to Jacky Kennedy for inspiration. The simple and elegant dresses combined with 60's looking headwear scream first lady. 

Classic Quality

Bottega Veneta, F/W 2012, Milan

Don't worry I've got some solid beautiful clothes for you as well. Bottega Veneta delivered some exquisite tailoring this season with some surprises. Amongst them were the oversized gloves and the magnificent prints. That's what I call Italian Quality!

Today is the last day of Paris Fashion Week. Stay tuned for this last chapter of the fashion week series: Coming Soon!

The Mere Alchemist

Purposeful Shoe Fetishism

The overwhelming joy of giving them a home

The clean sole, untouched by the everyday dirt

The vague pain that numbs your toes, but at the same time gives a rare kind of comfort

The smell of unused leather

Yes, I am talking about new shoes.

This incomparable feeling gets a golden glow when the footwear in question comes with a birth certificate. 

Designer shoes. The word alone excites me.

Don't get me wrong, (regretfully) I am not the kind of girl that fills her shoe rack with Louboutins, Choos, Ferragamos and the like. I won't fool myself, the most important reason for this is my budget. I work three days a week to be able to pay my rent and school supplies. That's why I usually appease my cravings with second hand finds and nice enough middle segment shoes.  

Not this time.

Spotted: The nicest heels I'd ever seen. Perfect height, the heel in a beautiful sand color that contrasts with the pale suede used on the body of that magnificent object.

Price tag: Also magnificent. 

Guilty suspect: Fred de la Bretonière, a Dutch footwear designer who's been in the trade for over forty years. He began his company as a sole proprietor in Amsterdam in 1970. He's known for his craftsmanship, love for natural materials and knowledge of traditional techniques. Last year he even received an award from the Italian National Consort Santi Crispino e Crispiano.

The pair I had my eyes on was one from the 'Goldies collection'. These are less traditional in design than most of his other shoes and have a futuresque vintage feel about them.

The heel seems to be inserted and reminded me of the soviet constructivism of the 1920's and the futurism of the decade before that.

Study after Antonio Sant'Elia

El Lissitzki, Proun, 1922

I love the way the soft volume almost gets cut by the geometrical form which still stands on its own. 

So, because they were culturally substantiated and to support our northern neighbors I was forced to add them to my personal collection. Luckily I had a secret American Santa that helped me carry the financial burden.  

Till next time, I wish you all happy shoe hunting, whether it's with a heap of patience or a load of cash.

The Mere Alchemist

http://www.bretoniere.nl/