MILAN, Jan 15, 2006/ FW/ --- Luca Missoni took a look under the microscope with different plant specimen, discovered the beautiful shapes and figures of cells, then translated them into chic clothing for men.

It was a like a botany lesson in fashion, wherein cell structures and plant veins were magnified a million times, then take a new form on the fashion runway. Mixing them with Missoni’s signature zigzag prints, Luca proposed elegant looks for men.

Cardigan sweaters were longer and big enough to be worn like a cape. At times, they were knitted to the length of trench coats. Worn over cardigans of solid pink, blue or burgundy, and pinstripe shirts with a bow tie, it was a reinterpretation of the formal coattails.

Details also abound. Oversized embroideries, braided hem edges for sleeves and in pocket flaps; tiny buttons on shirt collars and over-sized buttons as closures for the cardigans and coats.

Sleeveless vests became double-breasted with tiny piping on the edges. Faux turtlenecks were made of oversized collars that open on the side.

This is just the second show of the day, yet Luca Missoni as it turned out set the tone of the day – elegance as defined by the designer, an aura of subtlety and excess is frowned upon.

With a house like Missoni wherein prints are its signature style, it was not an easy task. Yet, Luca Missoni did it with aplomb and quite truthfully, he actually aced the job.

Missoni Uomo

Missoni Uomo

Missoni Uomo

Missoni Uomo