MILAN FASHION WEEK: MONDAY - The first full day of Milan Fashion Week's...

MILAN FASHION WEEK: MONDAY

The first full day of Milan Fashion Week's preview showings for the Spring/Summer 2009...

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By Daniela Petroff

AP Fashion Writer, Milan

There are few better weather vanes for changing times than the fashion industry, whose sensitive antennas quickly pick up on a mood and design accordingly.

Just think of the Gay Nineties, the somber 1940s the happy day 1950s. A similar reflection is happening for the summer of 2009, with designers opting for relaxed styles in stressed times.

Monday, the first full day of Milan Fashion Week's preview showings for the spring-summer 2009, top designers including Giorgio Armani, Missoni and Burberry preferred laid back to outlandish, with the accent on elegant but easy clothes.

The summer palette also reflects the chill-out mood also seen on runways in New York, with muted shades ranging from sandy beiges and pinks, to earthy greens and browns.

The Milan womenswear fashion week, a semiannual event of the best in Italian ready-to-wear, ends Friday and includes among its packed calendar of over 100 designers such top names as Prada, Gucci, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana. The fashion crowd then moves on to Paris.

ARMANI

Giorgio Armani described his collection as "a joy to wear." From the latest Armani jacket, lined in chiffon and long enough to gently brush against the hips, to the featherweight cocktail dresses and soft, sequined eveningwear, the collection was all about airy elegance.

As the models stepped lightly down the runway in delicate high-heeled sandals or soft slippers they gave the impression of effortlessness. Nymph-like hairstyles and romantic beaded jewelry completed the dreamy look.

Armani opened his new flagship boutique on Milan's tony via Montenapoleone with a cocktail party attended by Cate Blanchett, who also took a front-row seat at the show.

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