Best of Milan – Men’s Fashion Week

Men’s Fashion Week in Milan concluded on the highest of notes.

From opulent and regal to rugged and chic, below are our picks for the best of Men’s Footwear from Milan Fashion Week.

Bottega Veneta – Sartorial Future

Classic shapes are reinvented with update patterns mixed materials. A traditional slip-on loafer, although sleek and minimal, is anything but, with bright purple python and ombré vamp.  Cuban heel ankle boot combines velvet and supple kid creating a refined yet accessible look.  Colors evoked opulence in rich green and purple jewel tones, along with deep reds.

Dolce & Gabbana – A Night at The Opera
Lavish meets punk.  Brogue boots with scalloped button insteps look relevant in oiled and overly distressed hides.  Waxed treatments are used across the board on steel-toe chelsea lace-ups and velvet desert boots, creating a sense of street-lux.  Exaggerated golden studs confirm the “excess” inspiration for the collection.

Ermenegildo Zegna – Chic Chalet

Heavy outsoles and burnished leathers provide sophisticated protection from the cold winter months.  Kilted penny loafers in small-grain leathers are updated with welt and stitching details.  Closed lacing oxfords combined slim houndstooth uppers and wingtip patterns for refreshed classics.  Monkstraps double over the kiltie, on round toe lasts and the favored contrast stripe outsole.

Jil Sander – The Dark Knight

Although the overall tone of the collection was a dark one, the footwear was classic Jil with a touch of whimsy.  Thick stack outsoles were base for wholecut oxfords on long almond toe lasts.  Laser-perforations in the shape of mermaids, and for the closing look – stars and stripes, reflect perhaps the “man versus child” theme called out by the designer, and most certainly support other marine details throughout the show.

Neil Barrett – Monochrome March

Probably the collection with most “runway to street” appeal.  Mish mash upper of design elements on lug sole bottoms worked beautifully on rich vegetable leathers, nubuck and suedes. Enamel eyelets and an elastic gore in contrast black are juxtaposed with a protective tongue from the vamp, creating a new yet wearable silhouette. -Jenn Tello

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