On Friday and Saturday, we saw glimpses of fashion... the stilleto heels on leather shoes where the purchaser is issued with a year's supply of vertigo tablets... we saw ladies sipping coffee at the Gucci Restaurant with facial make up that would have taken hours to perfect... we didn't see any hats of note... nor any formal attire. When it comes to casual attire, I could trip over good design and not know the difference.
With the encouraging signs of the last two days, we set out this morning to take some fashion shots... the general plan being to stand/sit near stairs in a way that would allow us to photograph shoes (not legs)... without intruding on the privacy of the wearer. The general plan was that in the event of a complaint... run!
Like all plans, nothing goes to plan. Today is Sunday... and it appears on this day, the Milanese vacate the city centre and leave it to the tourists. Today turned out to be Italy's Republica Day. We walked around the Square in front of the Duomo Cathedral searching for a pair of stiletto shoes... not one in sight. We loitered across the street from the Gucci Restaurant... not a well-dressed patron in sight. Our plan to give an up-to-date report on Milan fashion was in tatters. Then, out of the blue, our prayers were answered. We heard a band playing at the other side of the Square... we checked out the activity and found a fashion exhibition extrordinaire... not of civilian dimensions... but focussed on the military.
The military guard-of-honour provided the fashion statement. The gentleman taking the salute (perhaps the Mayor, Regional Governor or President's representative) was there in fine regalia... spiffing uniform... funny hat... the works. The sergeant major organising the guard of honour strutted proudly... shouting commands in a language that sounded identical to Australian sergeant majors (but unrelated to any modern dialect known to man). The soldiers were well drilled... stamping... shouting... presenting arms... in perfect synchronisation.
So to summarise the fashion report from Milan, the military colour this year is Blue... the firearms to make the scene will be the same as last year... a lightweight machine gun that has a 'plasticy' appearance. A fashionable way to commence dialogue is to shout at full volume. Any movements must avoid the appearance of being relaxed... always appear as if you have OD'ed on caffeine.
We can also provide up-to-date reports on the state of the roof on the Duomo Cathedral and the volume of supply in 15th-century art... but I suspect you'll need a bit more time to absorb the fashion report.
That's all for now.
No comments:
Post a Comment