Bottega Veneta

The Men’s Spring 2010 shows in Milan concluded yesterday, and there was an interesting variety of collections. Men’s fashion doesn’t always have the wow factor or buzz that women’s wear begets. Men have fewer options and functionality takes precedence. This season, however, there seemed to be a little more fun on the runway and a few innovations, too.

I noticed a mélange of men’s trouser styles, from the very sleek straight-legged suit that has been dominant the past few years to a looser look á la Gatsby. A lot of rolled, cuffed and tapered pantlegs, too. Nearly every collection included men’s bags. They appeared from time to time in past collections but are now clearly a must-have accessory for men. Shorts have definitely found their place in fashion as well. I’m not a big fan of the tight, super-contoured pairs shown in several collections, but there were some chic sporty looks I liked. It’s a new fashion statement for men and I think a lot of them looked cool for spring.

Upon reviewing most the Men’s Spring 2010 collections online, I really enjoyed Bottega Veneta, pictured above. Many times men’s fashion is either mundane or totally over-the-top, but Tomas Maier of Bottega Veneta presented a collection that mixed classic men’s designs with something fresh. There were splashes of color and tie-dye on the scarves and shirts, balanced by tailored trousers and beautiful jackets in earth tones. The burnt orange and fever red in the collection are certainly bold, but Maier used them to complement his silhouettes and never went too far. Toward the end of the collection, he paired denim with tuxedo jackets to create an elegant sporty look.

I’m a big fan of Bottega’s luxurious bags, and the leather goods featured in this men’s collection were no exception. They were divine. Overall, it was a unique and chic collection that reflected a beauty that is distinctly Bottega’s.

Ermenegildo Zegna

Ermenegildo Zegna’s designer Gildo Zegna showed a collection in Milan that exuded ease and luxury. “It’s a very casual approach to luxury: Clothing to be worn in a very natural and free way,” he remarked in WWD.com. The look was classic chic — with smart suits, trenches and loose trousers — in shades of gray, sand and khaki. Suede details, men’s bags and nicely-executed shorts added a modern touch to the collection. Like Bottega, many of the pants had a more relaxed fit than past seasons’ straight leg designs. It was a great collection and one that my husband deemed very wearable.

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani created a vast and remarkably varied men’s collection for Spring 2010. He showed traditional tailored business suits and then relaxed sportswear like loose trousers paired with layered knits and outerwear. There were youthful ensembles that included shorts and eye-catching prints. These styles showed a dash of cheeky wit without straying too far from signature Armani. The collection was at times sophisticated and chic and at other times slick and cool. There was something for everyone — customers young and old alike. Similar to his fashion shows last season, Armani had many models walk in pairs down the runway. It intensified the look of the collection and left a lasting impression.

- images via men.style.com