MILAN, Mar 5, 2001/ --– Everyone's day begins by getting out of bed. The Moschino Cheap right and Chic collection shown Monday in Milan did too. Mind you, the Cheap and Chic woman does it with considerable class.

Alek Wek appeared in a bubble gum pink mink trench and a matching towel wrapped around her head, followed by a team of housewives accessorized with mops, buckets and brooms.

One lithesome home builder wore a dishcloth for a skirt upon which were printed the words "Maid in Italy."

Seeing some of the world's best-paid catwalkers attired for an intense morning's spring cleaning - something few of them have attempted in some time - was one of the few amusing images we've seen in the most sombre Milan season in years.

Leaving the home, the models appeared in witty flower-embroidered coats with matching tights or red gingham tops and shirts - an old Moschino favorite - paired with wool bouclé hipsters.

Once the housework was completed, Moschino's top line hit the catwalk. Every passage was sent out in pairs. The opening duo was brilliant, trompe l'oeil trenches - one in black and the other in white. After that came cross-dressed grooms in tails, a three-piece pinstripe suit and a duet of faux tiger topcoats.

The hefty contingent of front-row buyers looked more than pleased. They should be. Once you pealed away the jokes and tricks, practically everything on the catwalk was sexy and wearable.

Moschino

Moschino

Moschino

Moschino