Professing love for the French woman’s effortlessly cool style is often stated, but make no mistake, equally captivating with signature looks of other cultures as well. Case in point – Italian women and more closely Italian labels, in which they shop, have long been known for their particular brand of sophisticated style.   So what sets Italian women and luxury houses apart from others? One thing they all have in common: an affinity for getting dressed up and an avoidance of all things casual. A history of loving to dress up and be well-groomed, the importance of how your present yourself. As Italy is widely recognized as the cradle and birthplace of the renaissance, art, music’s, education, finance and philosophy flourished, and along with it, Italian fashion designs become immensely popular. In current season, this recognition has revitalized the Italian fashion scene with help from brands such as, Valentino, Fendi, Emilio Pucci and MSGM.   When in Rome, do as Valentino does! With a history stretching back to the ear of ‘La Dolce Vita’, when a young Valentino Garavani opened this first atelier in Rome to now, with the luxury Italian fashion house under the incredible direction of designers Maris Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, the labels vision is still feminine and elegant with an added tough-luxe attitude. With stunning and jaw-dropping gowns, with beautiful gold embellishment, silk tribal influences and blushing tones of pink and cream ethereal bird prints, Valentino continues to produce captivating and perfectly crafted designs.   Collections which have showcased of late include headline worthy designs, including; the bat winged blouse with fitted waist in three differing colour ways, all of which are featured in 100% silk georgette. The sleeveless turtleneck cape shift dress in knee length also featured in 100% silk cady and three differing colour ways to suit any wardrobe and colour style scheme. In addition, there is also the long-sleeved crew neck knit jumper with textured butterfly embroider, a key must-have piece this season that has be worn by numerous fashion icons, such as Aimee Song, Olivia Palermo, Louise Roe, Kate Bosworth, Halle Berry and Kate Moss to name a few.   Ever dreamt of sitting front row, shoulder-to-shoulder with the who’s-who’s of the fashion industry? Not to mention running around the streets of Milan in the dreamiest ensembles? Surely within this dream the star focus or style focus, was that of Emilio Pucci’s eponymous 1947 label, renowned for geometric prints in jewel hues accentuated by soft tailoring and feminine finished creating a signature opulent, maximalist appeal. Owned by luxury powerhouse LVMH, under the newly appointed creative direction of Massimo Giorgetti, famed for his contemporary label MSGM, the modern Emilio Pucci brand plays tribute to its heritage sporting influences enriched by luxury fabrications and grown up silhouettes. Giorgetti has take Pucci into another realm regaled by the fashion elite with styles inclusive of; the feather jacquard printed pencil skirt in two colour ways, the sleeve-less high neck blouse with tie at neckline featured in 100% silk crepe de chine perfectly paired with the pleated skirt with fixed waistline in silk feather print. Additionally, the long-sleeved boat neck blouse with print body and sport stripe at cuff in monreale print, the high necked blouse with sport stripe at cuff in ecru and orange and the long-sleeved waist dress with contrasting sports stripe at the bust in 100% silk. All these styles incorporate that of the Italian ability to conjure up maximalist, decadent themes that topped off with mosaic-inspired skirts and explosion of silk to showcase a brimming with extravagance collection.   Even those Italian brands which aim for a more understated aesthetic, like Fendi, give there looks a touch of luxe appeal, like pairing a subdued black turtleneck with a playful, fringed mini skirt. Founded in Rome in 1925 by husband and wife Edoardo and Adele Fendi, the brand has since become a global luxury powerhouse. For more than fifty years, Karl Lagerfeld has collaborated with the Fendi family in his role as creative director of the brand: his, the longest-standing relationship of any designer with a fashion maison. With a perivous collection showcased to a stylish crowd seated in the Theatre des Champs-Elysees in Paris there is no doubt that each piece shown is a fashion investment and must-have, starting with the ¾ flared sleeve blouse with ribbed white turtle neckline featured in three different colour ways, which can be perfectly paired with the botanical embroidered silk jacquard long skirt with pleat inserts beautifully crafted in brown and gold. Keeping with the craftsmanship Fendi is known for, is the oversized double breasted collared coat with side pleating and big cuffs, this statement making coat displays a perfectly stitched botanical embroidery.