Gucci F/W 2008-09 ... From Moscow with Love

Milan's Piazza Oberdan was filled with people from all walks of life. The floors are carpeted with Russian tapestry-inspired rugs. The hall was gloomy with and dimly lit.

On the front row, the notorious fashion who's who, whom everyone in the fashion world is afraid of - Anna Wintourof US VOGUE - sat next to Sally Singer and Virginia Smith. Michael Roberts from Vanity Fair was there too, sitting next to Linda Wells from Allure magazine.

There's only one reason why they and the rest of rabid fashionistas and buyers are here - Milan Fashion Week 2008. The occasion? Gucci fall/winter 2008-2009 ready-to-wear and accessories collection presentation.

Like the rest of the hall, the stage is also covered with carpet inspired by traditional Russian tapestry and a smart fashionista could guess it very well only by looking at the surrounding. It's true, Frida Giannini has taken Russian romance as her latest collection inspiration.

Imagine the Red Square and the gilded Arabesque spires of St. Peter's Basilica harmoniously teemed together. Throw the classic tapestries long-treasured in Russian culture and dash of rock and roll into the mood board, the result is absolutely breathtaking.

Kicking off the show is model Natasha Poly in folksy long-sleeved peasant blouse with sculpted sleeves and folk embroidery works paired with long trousers and black knee boots with tassel details.

Sporting a pair of alluring smoky eyes, her outfit is beautifully accentuated with golden chain belts around her waist. Touch of modern mix ageless is seen on mini dress with long sleeves in traditional Russian motifs smartly paired with black sheer silk stocking and studded pumps with golden studs worn by model Iekeliene Stange.

As the theme suggests, a Russian-inspired collection would never be authentically Russian without the presence of fur. Fur coats in velvety pelts mimics the the scene from classic movie, Dr. Zhivago.

Anouck Lepere looks marvelous in her ensemble of chic fur coat worn over printed blouse and brown suede belted knee-height skirt complemented with simple suede pump in dark brown while Sheila Marquez is arguably exquisite in tapestry outer coat paired with turquoise shirt and pants embellished with golden studs.

At the evening wear department, the style is more demure, well-proportioned and constructed with less extravagance are put into account.

Model Freja Beha Erichsen struts on the catwalk with classy ethnic chic printed halter dress with nipped waist while Kasia Struss sports an austere but amazing black satin long dress with plunging neckline punched with golden accents on half of the neckline, tasseled cap sleeves, and a golden sash and golden jewel-encrusted brooch detailing gracing the waist.

And what is more appropriate to complement the classic Russian chic look without lots of gold-plated jewelries thrown in. Cuffs, bracelets, and chain belts aside, fans of Gucci should look out for the classic tribal chic printed handbags in Russian folk print, boots decorated with tassel detailing, leather bags with long straps and punched with gold studs, as well as studded strappy sandals worn with sexy sheer black silk stockings.

Gucci's fall/winter 2008 collection will be available at Gucci stores worldwide and select retailers starting from the end of August to late September 2008 while the spring/summer 2008 collection is in stores now.

*Photos by Marcio Madeira for style.com/VOGUE

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