Women’s Winter Fashion from the streets of Milan - Le Parigine

In the fashion industry there is a saying that translates something like, “If fashion is not from the streets it is only a passing dream.” Every year the designers attempt to propose new ideas or reinvent old themes with some interesting twist. The designers are well aware that although their creations may be true works of art, if they are not worn on the street they will soon be forgotten. US retail chains spend hundreds of millions of dollars trying to identify the new trend by infiltrating the local street hangouts.


I have found that large multiethnic cities, while maintaining their own personality, tend to follow international trends and the birthplace of many trends is either Milan or Paris. There is a good reason for this, Milan has been the center of fashion for hundreds of years, it is in the blood, part of the culture. It is the place where store clerks where silk blouses and traveling means suit and tie. There are two trends popping up on the streets of Milan that I do not think even the most aware designer picked up. Provocative lingerie used as an integral part of the look. Let’s say a man shirt unbuttoned down to the naval showing, but not really showing, a black silk or lace, transparent top.


ChickyBabe from the Chicken or the Egg, recently published images and thoughts about her recent vacation. One of the stops was Tokyo. Her article indicates that Tokyo is experiencing a fashion trend very similar to Milan. One picture of two girls strolling in the metro caught my eye and made me think more about this new trend. The clean schoolgirl look, as if it were a uniform, is accentuated by Gambaletti and Parigine. Gambaletti are stocking that arrive just underneath the knee while Parigine cover 2 or 3 inches of the thigh. They are usually heavier stockings, often in wool. Most often they are in various colors including white but for the evening or say more intimate occasions black and lace are all the rage.


Seduction and sex appeal are works of magic, games of illusion. The most powerful attraction is what the mind imagines but cannot verify. The stockings say one thing while the outfit says another. It is blissful confusion, intrigue and mystery. Is that beautiful women I am dining with a playful companion or a Mata Hari? The only way to know is to take a leap of faith, to indulge the senses and explore that wonderful woman on the other side of the table.





Tags: Winter Fashion Leggings Stockings Milan Women's Fashion Italian Fasion Travel Italy