Queen of Diamonds: Milan Fashion Week: Giorgio Armani

I know that Paris Fashion Week has already started. And I promise to get you updated on that front. But let's not forget that I started this blog a mere few days ago and that unfortunately it means I have a lot to do on the Fashion Week update front. Some might say that what I am about to give you is simply old news. But I am going to up the stakes. The current viewing at Fashion Week are the Spring/Summer 2011 collections. Aussies are now just beginning to get the warm weather for their own Spring. So I guess despite all that we like to complain about it, there are some advantages to being in the same season as the fashion week viewings...if we are well informed fashion souls, we can steal the looks early. That is why, thanks to my big, big shopping trip yesterday, I am going to tell you how to channel the Armani runway collection right now. And for less.

The Giorgio Armani Spring 2011 collection this year was decked out completely in midnight blue. I was a little sceptical at first, even though I admired the risk he had taken-for the collection's success depended completely on the designs, and of course, whether or not people liked the colour. I was soon won over, however, for the designs, as expected, were simply fabulous. They were inspired by the clothing of the Saharan desert, the colour a reflection of the night sky. Each model wore a head scarf done up in a kind of turban. The accessories were also fantastic, such as a large scorpian sapphire-studded brooch that is TO DIE FOR. There were so many wonderful designs that I had trouble picking a few favoutites to post here. But don't panic! I'll be adding a link below so that you can watch the full slideshow, thanks to Elle Magazine.

Some of my favourites (so hard to choose!):

View full collection via slideshow thanks to Elle Magazine:

Giorgio Armani Spring 2011 Collection

HOW TO GET THIS LOOK NOW!

Here are some suggestions where you can find some pieces to add to your wardrobe to channel this collection! This is by no means complete, but it will get you started....

To prevent this post from being abysmally long I will only post up the pictures for a few of them. The rest I will simply list along with a link. If any of you find some more pieces that you would like to share with us, feel free to send me an email!

Many of these items are from Karen Millen, a designer I discovered yesterday on my very long shopping trip to the city. The store I discovered was in the Melbourne GPO.

Karen Millen Sequin Jacket

Karen Millen Satin One-Shoulder Dress

Karen Millen Structured Satin Sandal

Here is a list of further links on products from Karen Millen, who has some wonderful items that reflect the Armani's collection in colour and style as you saw above, and you will be happy to hear that many of the Karen Millen items are on SALE. If a particular item isn't availiable in your size because of the sale, you may be able to find them elsewhere...

Also some products from Net-a-porter.com

Julian McDonald lace mini dress

Versace Patent leather shoulder bag

Prova zigzag silk scarf

Current/Elliott Captain Trouser Cotten pants

Demaris lace bra and Demaris lace panties

Isharya Gypsy earrings

Louis Mariette Swarvoski Crytstal dragonfly headband

Aurelie Bidermann bracelet

Alexander McQueen Skull print scarf

Alexander McQueen Embellished Lapel Tuxedo Jacket

Karen Millen Cotton Twill Mac