The leading trend this week in Milan has undoubtedly been colour block. Jil Sander designer Raf Simons took this to a new level by mixing couture shapes with sporty classics in eye-popping, zingy shades of Yves Klein blue, fluro pink, orange, toxic green and yellow. Tempered with navy blue and the simplest of plain white t-shirts. The intensity of these colours packed a punch Photograph: Helen Seamons
Will the Gucci jewel tone feather finale dresses be next seasons Miu Miu multi cover dress? If we were of a gambling disposition this is where we'd put our money Photograph: PR
Bananas, monkeys, stripes... who else but Miuccia Prada could put together these elements and STILL have a hit on her hands? Early enquiries have shown that the high street have yet to catch on to the banana earrings she wore to take her bow but surely it is only a matter of time Photograph: Helen Seamons
Shoulders have been cited as the new erogenous zone for S/S11. At Fendi and D&G we were particularly taken with the peasant shoulder (elasticated off the shoulder in the style of YSL circa 1970). At Etro the flash of exposed shoulder through a belted puff sleeve dress was a favourite look, while Bottega Veneta (pictured) showed cut out shoulders filled with mesh in their luxe sports collection Photograph: Dan and Corina Lecca
With Olympic fever brewing in London it was obvious sportswear would be a strong trend as we head towards 2012. Marni took us on an aquatic adventure with a scuba meets Victorian bather collection in their signature bold prints and choosing to cover the colour block trend in their favoured sludgy tones of dirty pink, khaki, brown, taupe and mustard Photograph: PR
An emerging sub-trend this week has been macramé. Tricky to pull off but Gianfranco Ferre managed to with beautifully intricate leather macramé detail on his dresses. For those of us without six-figure salaries this trend is best kept to accessories Photograph: PR
Mood board images of corredo, the Italian for bottom drawer, flashed up at the start of the Dolce & Gabbana show, which predominantly featured traditional trousseau fabrics, embroidered lace and gauzy white cottons in every dress shape imaginable. It was a beautifully light collection and a breath of fresh air in a season filled with colour blocking Photograph: Helen Seamons
Fringing is not The Observer’s favourite trend, it’s difficult to wear, getting caught on door handles all the time, and often looks like Pocahontas fancy dress. HOWEVER, we did like the Greek fine fringing at Versace. Donatella showed several dresses in primary brights that were cleverly printed with the Greek fret motif that ran throughout the collection Photograph: PR
We are feeling fruity. It started with Anna Dello Russo's cherry headdress, followed up with a slice of glittery watermelon. By the time we saw Prada's banana print skirt we were already sold and Moschino Cheap & Chic's lemon print sealed the deal. The question is, with everyone else referencing Yves Saint Laurent will YSL show more strawberries? Photograph: Helen Seamons
Florals on the lawn was a recurring theme in Milan. Tight, ditsy modern florals at Versus's playground and whimsical romanticism at D&G's garden party (pictured). Either way, we can't wait to run barefoot through next summer Photograph: PR
