News Coverage Milan Menswear Show Fall 2002

Real Clothes For Real Men
By Staff Writer

MILAN, Jan 22, 2002/ FW/ --- The new mood in Italian men's fashion is real clothes for real men.

Starting with Giorgio Armani, his two lines - Emporio Armani and signature Giorgio Armani, featured "working class heroes."

This was not surprising because of some of his comments as reported in the Italian press.

"The word luxury makes me sick. It brings to mind those divas who once upon a time paraded around with Afghan hounds. There's too much emphasis on objects and clothes that don't correspond to real life," Armani was reported saying in several Italian dailies."

The Italian designers seem to echo his sentiments, with the very populist collections that were shown.

Populist or not, the Milan Menswear show was a qualified success! The men did not look like peacocks. And it has been a long time that the models looked like real men even on the runway.

Highlights of the show include Ralph Lauren's first time ever showing in Milan with his Purple Label. As expected, Ralph wowed the Italians with his collection.

Donatella Versace showed "big, brash and beautiful" collections for both Gianni Versace and Versus lines. Plus a very impressive front row that included Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chelsea Clinton and Boy George.

Roberto Menichetti's debut for Cerruti was a cohesive collection, and Christopher Bailey stayed away from plaid and was influenced by the British culture for Burberry.