Milan Fashion Week Spring 2011: Prada, Gucci and Versace--Photos and Runway Video!!

More Fashion Week Highlights: Turquoise, Orange, Coral, YVES SAINT LAURENT references, 70's strappy heels, and Monkey Prints?

Prada Spring 2011:

Designer Miuccia Prada sent out a bold statement of color for Spring 2011. The runway was awash with primary colored dresses that ranged from bright orange to potent purples to greens and royal blues. Silhouettes went from shapeless shifts perfect for that older Italian Gallery Owner working in the Summer humid heat of Florence to strapless, fitted "Mermaid" shapes featuring gathered panels. And there were prints: Baroque monkey prints to be exact. How much do you want to bet Forever 21 will try to knock those off?

Going Baroque: Strapless "Mermaid" shaped printed dress

Stopping Traffic: Bright Pumpkin Orange kimono drop-sleeved sheath v-neck dress

New Wedge: This is what the House of Prada will make their money on next Spring/Summer 2011

Prada Spring 2011 Runway Video:

Gucci Spring 2011:
Yves Saint Laurent is having a moment...yep, first Marc Jacobs, then Jason Wu, now Frida Giannini, Creative Director for Gucci is doing YSL. And why not be inspired by The Master. Did they all go to his Petit Palais YSL Retrospective? I did, and trust me kids, I was inspired too! So much so I CRIED! Gucci Spring 2011 is all 70's Helmut Newton, Marrakesh, gold python belts, sleek skinny pants, peek-a-boo draped tops, bright colors and lots of satin. Slicked hair and strong red lipstick brought home the "The 80s are DEAD, long Live 1978!" look of the entire collection.

Solid Gold: Aquamarine satin jacket, blouse, gold belt and deep lilac skinny trousers

Bellissima: Model Chanel Iman on the Gucci runway, in a satin coral/copper-colored draped skirt, white peek-a-boo top and gold python belt

Evening Safari: All black ensemble consisting of short-sleeved belted jacket, skinny pants and strappy heels

Speaking of Heels: Black strapped-in heels, Gucci Spring 2011

Ladies, Get Your Pedicures: Love these strappy turquoise suede shoes with gold heel, very 1979.

Gucci Spring 2011 Runway Video:

Versace Spring 2011:
Severe Color, severe shapes and severe hair. This is "FIERCE" a la Donatella. Dropped hemlines, slits, geometric necklines and again, lots of COLOR: Turquoise, shades of coral, orange and yes, there was some black. Take note Russian Billionaire Arm Candy Ladies: This is what you'll look like come next Spring 2011.

Turquoise Princess: Knee-length sheath dress with geometric laser-cut neckline

The Midriff Is Back: Coral-colored cropped jacket and knee-length skirt

Little Black Two-some: Black cropped top with beaded straps and knee-length skirt

Shimmy Shimmy: Turquoise fringed gown with scooped neckline and peek-a-boo sides

Versace Spring 2011 Runway Video:

Resort 2010 Trend Alert: Bright Colors Are Back!!!

Edie Beale 2010: Terracotta Orange Trench Coat by Yves Saint Laurent Resort 2010

It's All About Color Ladies! Yep, Resort 2010 is looking more like a trip to the Bollywood movie set, as opposed to a trip to the Hampton's . Naturally, Spring and Summer are the seasons when designers add color to their collections (as opposed to Fall/Winter black and browns) . But even so, it is unusually BRIGHT.

Duran Duran Back-up Dancer: Cobalt Blue cowl-draped Mini Dress, from Derek Lam Resort 2010

Strong 80's colors, hearken back to the colorful dresses of Stephen Sprouse and the genius of Patrick Kelly. Pastel tones: OUT. Neon brights: VERY IN! Think Cobalt Blue, Bubblegum Pink, Neon Green. Looks like you'll also be needing a FIERCE pair of sunglasses to block out the glare from the women wearing these bright bold colors.

Garden Party: Blues and greens, according to Alber Elbaz for Lanvin Resort 2010

Bubblegum: "Barbie Pink" as shown at Donna Karan Resort 2010

Some say this renewed use of bold colors might be a direct result of the dire economic woes the world is in. Clothing designers are making things look "Happy Happy Happy", showing bright colorful coats, dresses, sportswear and trying to inject a bit of fun into people's depressed lives (Although I doubt someone who can spend $3,000 on a bright Zac Posen Apple Green mini-dress is having an "economic depression").

Robert Palmer Girl: Apple green satin mini dress with black peek-a-boo bust, Zac Posen Resort 2010

VH1 The 80s Are Back: Electric Blue and shocking printed leggings, Alexander McQueen Resort 2010

In all fairness, when looking at the collections as a whole, there is plenty of Black and the Neutrals are well represented. But BRIGHT COLORS are the real story for Resort--and the coming Spring 2010.

Will you be wearing a pair of neon kaleidoscope leggings from Alexander McQueen next January?