Show report: Gucci A/W'12

Gucci kicks off Milan fashion week with a darkly seductive and glamorous show

Gucci kicks off Milan fashion week with a darkly seductive and glamorous show.

Frida Giannini gave a nod to several of autumn/winter 12's emerging trends as Milan fashion week got underway today - there were rich damasks, plush velvets, a dose of military and equestrian detailing and elegant floral silk floor-sweeping skirts.

But this was a classic Gucci show from the fabulous cashmere jackets and capes that swept down the catwalk to the sleek riding boots that marched underfoot.

There were chiffon and velvet peasant blouses, jodphurs in rich brocades and demure velvet trimmed dresses all in a palette of black, inky blue, plum and deep purple.

Giannini plundered the Gucci man's wardrobe for silk pyjama suits and smoking jackets too. It all looked highly seductive on the models who had rouge noir lips and deathly pale faces.

For evening there were long dresses in claret chiffon with plisse frills or in emerald devore followed by a succession of long black tulle dresses sparkling with intricate beading which looked like serious contenders for the Oscars this Sunday.