Milan Menswear Turns to History for Timeless Style

Italian designers turned the clock back for menswear during Milan's fashion week, which ended on Wednesday, and pulled out pocket handkerchiefs, neck scarves and waistcoats to create timeless styles for next spring.

Gucci's Frida Giannini was inspired by Italian 1950s Cinecitta films and the French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo for her collection, while Belstaff, best known for its tough biker jackets, followed in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia.

Valentino Garavani's 45-year-old label chose "historical themes of the maison" to give a colonial flavor to his presentation, which included an old-world burlesque show complete with topless dancers.

Waistcoats were winners with many designers, whether classically supporting a suit or worn alone.