Milan Fashion Week has come to an end, and as Paris designers send their fall 2012 collections down the catwalk over the next week, we reflect on the trends from Milan which will make an impact this fall 2012.

Back in Black: As the classic AC/DC song goes, “Back in Black. . .” Milan designers turned up for fall with a dark and somber color palette. The majority of the designer collections which graced the Milan ready-to-wear catwalks were black with splashes of dark burgundy, chocolate brown, dark teal and dark forest green. An occasional sprinkle of dark purple and fuchsia could be spotted, but these feminine hues were few and far between.

Luxury: Designers thumbed their noses at worldwide economic distress and showed luxurious fabrications for both apparel and accessories. There were fur collars, velvet dresses, hand-woven lace, golden embroidery and lavish silks gracing Milan catwalks for fall; showing the fashion world that indulgence is in.

Flat Soled Pumps: While designers in New York showed both platform and flat soled pumps for fall, Milan designers went down to the ground and showed the return of the flat soled pump; something to think about while shoe shopping this spring and summer.

Textured handbags: Handbags in Milan were made from multiple fabrications, showing that texture is hot for fall. Designers mixed fabrics such as velvet and crocodile, leather and satin and also needlepoint with stingray.

The Small Handbag: At the turn of the century in the 1900’s, a proper woman never carried a handbag larger than her head. This mantra has returned for fall 2012. Handbags are small and medium sized with enough room for a wallet, keys, lipstick and smartphone. We didn’t need to carry the kitchen sink everywhere anyway!

City Shorts: Designers in Milan showed city shorts paired with leg coverings as an alternative to office attire for fall. This mild weather alternative to the pantsuit looks modern and sharp. Designers paired city shorts with blouses and blazers, giving the edgy bottom a conservative angle.

Dark lips: Many designers in Milan showed natural looking make-up with dark, vampy lipstick. It should be interesting to see if this trend hits the streets; it is not flattering on everyone.

Lace: While part of the luxury trend, lace dominated the Milan fall 2012 runways. This has been a hot fabric for the past year and is definitely worth investing in since it will remain important into winter 2013.

Bold Jewelry: The bold jewelry trend is staying hot for fall 2012. Milan designers showed chunky necklaces and earrings for the fall 2012 season. Look for yellow gold and black resin’s for the season’s hottest chunky baubles.

To view photos from the Milan Fashion Week runways for fall/winter 2012/2013, please click on the designers name below:

Bottega Veneta      Dolce& Gabbana     Giorgio Armani (one of the few designers to show color!)     Gucci    Just Cavalli