Armed and Fabulous ...

Winging our way from the Prada show to the 10th-anniversary toast for Wallpaper (only this London-based design mag would have the chutzpah to schedule a drinks party during Prada!), we were escorted up the ramp of the Bulgari Hotel by the chicest looking black-clad security guards this side of, well, the Miu Miu store—where something of a velvet rope has been set up to assure inside shoppers aren't stressed by crowds. Held in the hotel's garden—as the weather is delish here—Wallpaper's do was wall-to-wall fashion and furniture biggies (lest we forget that Milan is the design capital of Europe), who noshed on mini croissants with parmesan and the ubiquitous prosciutto and melon starters. Equally appetizing were the mag's unapologetically cool, Liverpool-born creative director, Tony Chambers—in Alexander McQueen gingham tie and Kilgour suit—and New York–native publisher, Andrew Black. Mario Testino drank it all in from a first-floor balcony while designer Rifat Ozbek of Pollini—in divine metallic Dior jeans—basked in the alfresco fun. Unlawfully hip—as is Milan itself, of course. Even the polizia are posh here, wearing cool black biker boots as they patrol the shopping district. Is it us, or is there some connect-the-dots between the silver handcuff bangles at Cesare Paciotti (which some are already wearing as bag charms), the bulletproof appliqués at Prada and Burberry, the too-cool-for-school cops, the hard-edged metal or glass mirror show invites you could clock someone with (or at least party like it's 1989 with!), the studded ammo belts at D&G, and the Hearst sales rep's tow-headed 10-year-old—who looked molto Malibu surfer dude—sporting a black tee that said "Security"? With all that in mind, we feel safe knowing that Milan is where fashion is happening and even the cab drivers ask with deep concern, "How was the Gucci show?"—knowing full well it's design that drives this mad metropolis (and drive madly they all do!). Alberta Ferretti showed her spring collection, appropriately enough, in a greenhouse in the Giardini di Porta Venezia and reminded us why she owns ruched, ruffled, and puckered chiffon. The prettiest collection to date—and what should be top of your spring must list? Her python trench with silver-mesh details and big stone belt (Aha! Another weapon!). Gaud was in the details with great confidence at Gucci, where an homage to the '60s meant flower-power patchwork, mod trapeze dresses, and silver Beatle boots—which caused Joanna Coles to exclaim, "My kingdom for that pair!" Truly, this sterling pair of what the Italians call stivali—so much sexier than "boots"!—will slip onto your feet as smoothly as an icy vodka poured over rocks. Which reminds us: Time for martinis with Missoni back at the hotel. Try Marie Claire free and find out how to make these runway styles work for you. More From Marie Claire: Make The Most Of Your Shape Are You MBA Material? Your Best Hair Ever****Try Marie Claire risk-free for more fashion and beauty tips & trends. [...] [...]