Fashion brands Gucci and John Richmond kicked off Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday (February 22) with dark, romantic shows.<br/> <br />Gucci's designer Frida Giannini started the Autumn/Winter 2012 collections revealing an opulent range, combining tapestry motifs and floral prints.<br/> <br />Capes in leather or wool were worn over leather trousers and coupled with riding boots for a sporty elegance.<br/> <br />For evening wear, flowing pleated black gowns were embroidered with floral patterns of micro-crystals, giving a romantic allure to the sensual creations.<br/> <br />Meanwhile British designer John Richmond created a gothic collection with black velvets and geometric cuts.<br/> <br />His models wore dresses with raw, fringed edges and wide fitted belts. To help create a romantic theme the designer also played with laces and crinolines.<br/> <br />Jackets were short while skirts were full and round and the colour palette was mono-chromatic with rare flashes of violet and high heeled black leather shoes.<br/> <br />More than 70 Italian and international brands will take to the runways over the week of Italian fashion shows and parties.<br/> <br />Edward Baran, Reuters
