MILAN, Jun 23, 2007/ FW/ --- The Palazzo Reale in Milan held the perfect setting for Dries Van Noten’s Spring Summer 2008 line. The palazzo, which is one of the oldest in Milan, still has huge rooms with high ceilings and ancient frescos.

To enter into Dries Van Noten’s show, four rooms were left bare and lined with candles as the guest were lead thru the candle lit rooms to the runway. At least three hanging chandeliers lit with candles, hung above the runway as the sides of the room were decorated with what could be describes as standing chandeliers.

Dracula himself could be waiting to seduce you into giving him a nice feeding on your neck and truth be told the settings along with the classic music playing in the background, you would have let him.

The show played to this dark seduction as the first set of models came out in silk kimono style tops paired with slip on lounge shoes. With black was the main color while bright pinks and oranges spiced up the palette. In the case of a shiny silk-satin pants the vibrant pink did a lot more then just add some color.

From classic tailoring and elegance, the mood changed to a younger more colorful energetic one. A new generation had come and while taking into consideration tradition, the direction was totally different. The music changed as the models walked faster and bombers and parka’s replaced the tailored jackets. The blend of colors in deep luxurious shades, were more apparent as the style became more leisurely.

Boxing inspired pants and shorts had large elastic waistbands, which turned luxurious with their shiny silk satin fabrics. Pants were also inspired by cycling and judo while the classic and tuxedo pants were worked as the base line. Bombers, which seem to be making a big come back this season, came in ultra-tech nylons while pinstripes and checks worked as the collections prints.

The show was a moving exciting story line that left you excited for what’s next to come. Dries Van Noten really showed off a strong signature collection that with all its daringness and colors, still remained to be luxurious.