This season, the presentations in Milan offered an uncommon mix of established names and new emerging talents. Big brands like Giuseppe Zanotti and Sergio Rossi (who collaborated with Italian/Brazilian fashion plate Bianca Brandolini D’Adda on an all-black lineup) impressed with their characteristically lavish parties and equally luxurious footwear on display – think extreme mules and cuissardes covered in either crystal, embroidered lace, or both. But it was encouraging to see rising names such as Daniele Michetti (who also consults for some very big brands), Giorgia Caovilla of O Jour (and the Caovilla footwear family, but very much establishing her own identity with a knack for boots and heels for day) and accessory vertran-turned chic sandal maker Álvaro González show confident collections.  Newer young designers including former archiect Charline de Luca, Kuwati-bred Najeeb Hyatt of charming cartoon-whimsical label Liudmila, customizable loafer and bookmaker CB Made in Italy’s Cecilia Bringheli and 19-year old wünderkind Nicolò Beretta of Giannico also showed exciting promise and, to their credit, highly-unique offerings. Revamped brand Bally had another strong season under the creative direction of Pablo Coppola, who has an ability to twist staid house codes into decidedly fresh propositions. The fall ’15 palette and mood took cues from Wes Andersons films such as The Royal Tenebaums, which translated Read More...