APCOM

48 catwalks, 47 brands, 96 new collections presented: the curtain has been drawn of "Menswear Fashion week" and Milan is yet again undisputed world fashion capital. Over 11 thousand specialists - buyers and authorized staff - reached the city in order to follow the event which this year spread over four days. A test that was widely passed by Milan also thanks to the recent introduction of the Ecopass - the pollution charge for the city center - which enabled press and staff to move around swiftly.

Protagonists of the new collections classic style suits with a touch of innovation which bring together practicality and elegance. The Armani show on Tuesday was definitely a class act: the models walked down the runway in perfectly tailored three-piece suits under elegant top coats, gloves in hand and wide brimmed hats worn with a hint of a tilt. "This fellow is used to being addressed as "sir" not "hey you" the Italian designer said after the show, citing the British princes William and Harry as examples of his current fashion vision.

Among the events taking place during the week was the presentation of new Ermenegildo Zegna's Global Headquarters, designed by acclaimed architects, Antonio Citterio and partnered with Studio Beretta. The new premises reveal polished stone floors spanning throughout the ground floor, northern skylights projecting light throughout the space, glass and steel walls.

The Spice Girls pepped up the Milan fashion scene Monday when they turned up at Roberto Cavalli's show to thank him for designing their return tour wardrobe. "His clothes make you feel sexy," said Geri Halliwell "Ginger Spice".