The University of Missoni

Layers of appeal at Missoni

As a warm-weather starved Brit, when the sun is shining outside, no matter how pretty the dresses are on the runway, there's always a little part of you aching for the outdoors (especially on a Sunday!).

Today, however, Missoni gave us the best of both worlds, launching their spring/summer collection in the palatial surroundings of Via Festa del Perdono, ancient seat of the 'Ospedal Maggiore' and now home of the University of Milan (can you tell I've just been playing on Wikipedia?).

With a catwalk running along the cloisters of this stunning palazzo, overlooking lush, green gardens, Missoni had the most beautiful show location of not just Milan Fashion Week, but the whole season so far.

And while Via Festa del Perdono might usually play home to hoards of students, for the fashion pack tottering over the cobbles to sip their Diet Cokes from Missoni-print glass bottles, studying was really the last thing on anyone's mind.

However, for those on the front row paying attention, the lesson of the day was all about the art of layering, with wrap tops and gauzy body suits styled over long, stretch skirts or origami knit dresses.

Accessories came in the form of rope-tie, low-heeled sandals and chokers hung, slightly incongruously, with silver whistles. Still, should the university's soccer team have come round the corner on weekend practice, there'd have been plenty of stylishly clad models to act as impromptu referees.

SEE THE COLLECTION HERE