THAT Seventies Show - is fast becoming the way to sum up Milan Fashion Week, from Gucci to Prada and onto Emilio Pucci. "It's always resonated with me. I think it's a reaction," said Pucci creative director Peter Dundas backstage by way of explanation. "I really wanted to do it last time so just thought I'm just going to do it." Fair enough.
Whether the fashion forces of Milan got together to conspire in favour of the era or not, it's on next summer's agenda for sure - but it just depends on what kind of Seventies spirit you are. "It's my girls," said Dundas, referring to Poppy Delevingne who was bejewelled and Pucci-fied out front. What he meant was that bohemian and carefree spirit - but situated in a contemporary context.
And this was very much a happy-hippy collection: plunge-neck crochet dresses embroidered with flowers, be-tasselled ponchos of the same effect, wispy butterfly-billowing maxi dresses, psychedelic shades and prints of Zap ice lolly optics, waistcoats, skinny suits, flares - tick, tick, tick for the Seventies. There were even those orange and brown colour clashes. Halter necks, empire lines, gypsy tops and gilets - the repertoire continued as a mash-up of Fleetwood Mac played out - and then Naomi Campbell took a turn on the catwalk.
With all its colour and exotic psychedelic prints, Pucci is a brand that sits well in the Seventies - and will do in the second wave of the Noughties with so many trend boxes ticked this season.