>> The backstage antics just don't stop. From salutes to smirks to piggyback posing, the first few days in Milan have certainly not been lacking in fun. Click through to get in on all the behind-the-scenes action — starring Fendi's modern warrior princesses, Max Mara's Metropolis-inspired minimalists, Gucci's gothic heroines, and more — right here, in the slideshow.
>> Oversized paisleys and op-art mosaics were the motifs du jour at Fall 2012 Etro. In a burnished palette of taupe, burgundy, and gray, they decorated every one of the collection's lean-lined looks. They appeared tattoo-like on sheer blouses, kaleidoscopic on peplumed sheaths, and texturally geometric on wide-legged pants. Whip-smart blazers and straight-cut coats in velvet and jacquard lent a jaunty, dandy mood.
>> It wouldn't be Cavalli without a heavy dose of animal print. This season, the ocelot and leopard covered '60s drop-waist dresses, wide-leg crop pants, and high-neck blouses. Adding to the playful spirit was a plethora of super-shiny patent, shimmering lamé, and metallic leather.
>> To the beat of a staccato drum, Rossella Jardini marched out a primary-hued parade of '60s silhouettes and kitschy military shapes for Fall 2012. Shiny pleated miniskirts, graphic drop-waist dresses, and brass-buttoned swing coats were among the eclectic hits, while the models — in true Moschino fashion — were styled to the hilt: there were giant hoop earrings, cowboy hats, heart pendants, and black bow head scarves topping every look.
>> The Jil Sander Group has confirmed that designer Jil Sander will return to her eponymous label. "I am very happy and excited to be back. It feels like coming home after a brief journey," the designer — who founded the company in 1968 — said in a statement. "The fashion world needs original voices and genuine signatures. I will do my best to, once again, join the choir."
Sander's first collection will be the men's Spring 2012 collection shown in June.
The confirmation comes just one day after the company announced that the current creative director, Raf Simons, would leave his post following the presentation of the women's Fall 2012 collection this weekend in Milan.
This is not the first time Sander has returned to the company. After exiting in 2000, she returned to the creative helm in 2003, only to leave again a short time later. [WWD]
Photo: courtesy of Jil Sander
