MILAN, Sep 28, 2006/ FW/ --- Lion King playing in Milan? Not quite, but close; it’s Moschino Cheap and Chic on an African safari! From the animals to the locals there was a taste of it all. This season’s collection was inspired by the elements of Africa, the giraffe though the most important of all.

From the giraffe cutout invite to prints and patterns, even the models shoes were extremely high giving a giraffe like quality to the svelte figures. A balloon puff top, in giraffe print, floated over grasshopper green shorts as the first model walked down the wooden platform runway.

Nile blue chunky glass stones adorned a tribal influenced necklace that lay on her open neck. The full shape of the first top was continued throughout the collection creating large floating volumes.

Slim silhouettes were accentuated by exaggerated ruffle shoulders. Waistlines defined by thick hardware leather belts that had six buckles. Hemlines were highlighted by embroidery or lace details. Accessories were beaded basket style purses and stilt tall heels in contrasting reds or matching earth tones.

Giraffe print came in forms of the skin replica and small multi colored miniature giraffes. In belted dresses and petticoat skirts to large airy tops and dresses.

The collection was also highly influenced by traditional African attire. Stripped cottons were used with new volumes creating almost tribal mini dresses. And a sunflower print was not only used as the skirt to a crotchet top dress, but also as a traditional head wrap.

With tights in stripes and giraffe skin print, white dresses were changed into an amazingly elegant and fun wardrobe. A white Sunday dress, with large ruffle shoulders and hemlines, had Raffa's (the giraffe mascot) head and long neck embroidered in sequins and embellished with a real red bow and pearl necklace at the hem. The piece was elegantly adorable!

From the dry lands of Africa, Moschino brought light and volume into its collection. Playful pieces inspired by dress up desires and special occasions. The Cheap & Chic youthfulness really let your imagination explore and the artist be free. So take a trip to Africa, but remember it’s an imaginary journey for stylish city girl.

Moschino Cheap & Chic

Moschino Cheap & Chic

Moschino Cheap & Chic

Moschino Cheap & Chic