The Best Ties

Versace

The show notes for Versace spring/summer 2010 described the collection as “a romantic image of the foreign legion”. Consequently we saw militaristic styling with epaulettes, braiding and buttons (but in silver not brass) featuring on crisp linens and light cottons.

The hue remained the same throughout: sandy tones, cream and white delicately merged with tans, oranges and browns. The casting set a grown-up tone with much older models than we’ve seen elsewhere. Paul Sculfor (who used to date Cameron Diaz), Will Chalker and Andreas Velencoso (Kylie Minogue’s beau) gave the clothes a more mature look and spoke to an older clientele.

There was a distinct North African mood, as though the legionnaires had been posted to a deserted and arid territory. Fabrics appeared sun bleached and jackets were often paired over long silk tunics and djellabas. All in all, the message was a clear one: a lazy, hazy and typically sexy Versace summer ahead.

Etro

What’s not to love about Etro? Kean Etro is reliably off-trend and all the better for it. In a season where navy blue dominated, Etro in comparison showed every colour under the sun. This is exactly what you want to look like on holiday. From salmon pinks to cornflower blues to paisley printed summer trench coats, these aren’t clothes for the shy and retiring.

But in a city where fashion can take itself too seriously, Etro is all about pure enjoyment. Africa was a big influence here, with pockets and elbow patches in Mafai-style beading. This is a collection that is incredibly easy to pack, with crushed cottons that will come out of the suitcase looking as good as they did when they went in.

So for the latest trends and fashion always look for Etro and Versace as they both have fantastic clothes.