FashionEtc.com April 27th, 2024

I've been a fan of Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi for years. From their eponymous label (Aquilano.Rimondi) and 6267 to seeing what they did at Ferré, I was glad to see them land at Piazza Sempione. Though it's a capsule collection (for the 20th anniversary) and not the main line for spring, the duo's fit with the brand is good. It works. And I was, of course, thrilled to be able to see the clothes in person. Milan is a far ways to travel, after all.

The clothes are expertly tailored (a strong suit with the designers), clean, and modern. Embellishments were kept to a minimum, though there was a paillette-covered dress that I went gaga for. A loose silhouette that shimmers is just what the season calls for!

Do you know what makes for a great Thursday morning? Shoes. (You knew I was going there, right?) I kicked off my day (pun intended) at Stuart Weitzman, where there was a distinct disco vibe in the air. Patent platforms in pastels and gold as well as even higher platforms in embossed leather held court with sexy, ankle-cuffed heels. The Weitzman girl is going dancing all night long come Spring 2012.

Picking up on the colorblocking runway trend, some of my favorite shoes were in a rainbow pack of colors. Pink, orange and green? Yes! Black, white and red? Absolutely. They're so fun and fresh for the season—makes me wish winter weren't looming before us.

You know what makes for an excellent market appointment when it's pouring out? Hunter Boots. They're my rain boot of choice but barring that, what else do you want to look at but chic trenches and waterproof wellies when it's raining sideways? (Photos of Fiji notwithstanding.)

Did you know about the outerwear? Because I always associate Hunter with just the boots. But oh no! There are trenches, capes, jackets—really a silhouette for everyone from your kid sister to you to your mother. And the bags! Never underestimate a good totebag. The colors are vibrant—orange, yellow, white—and I love a good leather…anything. But the rubber bags are what got me. Yes, rubber. Think waterproof, perfect for dire days like today.

My second stop today was Kara Ross, who makes the most beautiful jewelry. It's no secret that I love a good a bauble. But add a stone to it and I go weak in the knee. (Just noting that my hair is doing a little Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 frizz action, though not quite as chic.)

Kara works with a variety of stones and materials to create a costume line (as opposed to her equally stunning but much higher end fine line). Necklaces (top right) are made with exotic skins and stones placed over them—to an incredible effect. The skins were also used in geometric cuffs and necklaces.

Resin and druzy stones came together in a series of cuffs and rings, in very gorgeous spring colors (white, blue, gold—even in wood versions). I love how light these were—you can stack them on without being weighed down. And—right on trend!—Kara had a few sea themes. The aquatic life is hot, people.