Best Accessories - Milan - Spring 2011

The men's collections in Milan have turned out a variety of accessories for spring 2011. Let's start with the footwear. I used to believe whole-heartedly that mandals were the biggest style offense, and now I am eating my words. Both Gucci and Bottega Veneta have successfully re-interpresented the fashion faux pas to create mandals that I could see working as easily with a summer suit as a bathing suit. Prada also produced a fancy pair of footwear in the form of lace-up wing tips with platforms. Though they will probably be expensive, and probably not entirely wearable, that doesn't stop them from looking great on the runway.



Large man-bags are also in for spring 2011. Whether it's a large woven tote at Bottega Veneta, or a large leather carryall at D&G, the Italians sure know how to make a great bag. Definitely worth the investment for these carefully constructed and timeless products.



Designer sunglasses are crazy expensive so I would suggest waiting until the styles trickle down to lower priced lines (becuase at the end of the day, they are all made the same way with the same materials), but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy a sneak peak at what we'll all be wearing on the beach come 2011.


Off the runway, Tommy Ton at GQ visited the showrooms in Milan to scope out the hottest accessories. Tod's turned out, as always, amazing sneakers and driving shoes in every color of the rainbow. In addition to footwear, they also produced great woven leather bracelets in different color combinations. Though I'm not into man jewelery myself, these bracelets look surprisingly masculine.



Ally Capellino produced some amazing bags for spring 2011. Known for her durable construction and quiet branding, Capellino created a collection of beautifully timeless pieces in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and colors.