The eyes of the worlds fashion industry focuses on Italy today for Milan Fashion Week and the hotly anticipated spring/summer 2013 collections from global brands Gucci, Prada, Versace, et al.
Gucci is set to kick off the shows, which will see 68 Italian and International brands start the runway in a week of shows.
Thursday will see Prada and Emporio Armani take the runway. Friday will see Moschino and two Versace shows with a rock and roll party with a live band to show off Versace's Versus collection.
Saturday opens with designer Tomas Maier, who will unveil his latest collection for Bottega Veneta, followed by Jil Sander's hotly awaited collection for Fendi since rejoining as Creative Director.
On Sunday sees the turn of Marni, Dolce & Gabbana and Giorgio Armani, Armani will then host an inaugural party to show off a new exhibition to showcase his most memorable creations.
Milan Fashion Week winds up with DSquared2, Roberto Cavali and Gianfranco Ferrer on Monday, with Tuesday being dedicated to new up and coming designers.
While the luxury brands in a recession hit country are being squeezed, many fashion houses are concentrating their efforts abroad to growth economies like China and Brazil, there is still a bid to attract wealthy visitors to Italy's commercial capital. A string of boutiques will be opening during fashion week on the exclusive Corso Matteotti, form Just Cavalli with a party on Friday to Lingerie brand Agent Provocateur.