The aesthetics of Gucci has dramatically changed with Alessandro Michele took the spotlight as the revolutionary designer. This season, he takes a complete decorative romance couture approach yet with hints of caricature overstatement and vintage familiarity. The era of Renaissance is made reference to with the use of the Carte de Tendr Map as a montif. He works iconography on the runway with a Gucci-green lace dress with red striped waist; floral overprinted logo coat; a wealth of diverse bags and shoes that are mesmerizing close up. Though the collection plays on extravagance, it offers a greater degree of wearabilty than one might think, and nevertheless delivers beautiful clothes.

This season is all about blending with emphasis on looks that modern urbanites will want to wear. Military influences are infused in the collection with cashmere regimental-style jackets layered over long silk skirts with a hint of grunge, kilts, and short and sculpted lace dresses. Monogrammed nylon floppy backpacks debuts in versions of black and khaki, as tribute to the Nineties mood, giving a younger, carefree spirit to the collection. The collection also cuts across seasons with a big emphasis on coats of a different variety such as lace trenches, black pea coat, duffle coat, and officer jacket. It’s a mishmash of taste that gives the collection a sense of reinvention.

This spring, Fendi is about the celebration of an au courant power woman who shows her toughness with the incorporation of sturdy fabric with graphic precision in her dressing. There is a subtle armour quality in this collection with macro-stitched pockets and brace details on clothes, thick suede latticework for neat boxy jackets and strong cut outs at the backs and waists. The addition of rompers with balloon pants, billowing blouses and gowns gives a more languid feel to the collection. This lineup is indeed a delight to one who dresses in the most fashionable yet functional sense.

This collection takes us away on a journey away from the city to celebrate freedom, sporting life and the outdoors. Athletic motifs are spiced up with overzealous mixes of brown camouflages, leopard spots, and shearling trimmings. Dresses of luxurious garments are decorated with utilitarian details like ropes, drawstrings, clasps — and billowing sail-like fabric to create a romantic but technical look. This spring, Bottega Veneta challenges the status quo of what an evening wear should be. And we applaud their boldness.