(Cover) - EN Fashion - Dolce & Gabbana showed a Spring/Summer 11 collection inspired by the rural idyll at Milan Fashion Week yesterday.

The Italian designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana shunned black and dark hues in favour of floral prints and uplifting shades, seemingly a trend at the current series of shows, for their diffusion line D&G.

Speaking before the show, the designers explained they are keen for people to take time to enjoy their lives and relax more, which is the message they wanted their collection to impart.

We would like to slow down time, leave space for more personal things, the pair explained.

Models graced the runway to a soundtrack of Wonderful life by Hurts, including the line: Never give up, its such a wonderful life.

Tops were patterned with peonies and hydrangeas and paired with shorts of hessian. Peasant tops were shorted to reveal stomachs, and three-quarter-length trousers were back with a bang. Shoes boasted large cork soles and were teamed with big socks, while bags were cavernous.

Key pieces included dungarees in silk, long skirts with full skirts and a series of lace gowns which formed the end of the show.

Much like Gucci on Wednesday, Miuccia Prada showcased an eye-popping collection of electric-bright pieces. Dresses which looked like kimonos were updated for the new season thanks to the colour scheme bright orange, blue and green all featured heavily.

Tight, knee-length skirts were teamed with striped top with voluminous sleeves, which boxy jackets also made an appearance. Dresses had slashed necks, while some skirts had stand-out hems in contrasting colours. Stripes were also big news, coming in differing shades and various widths.

Footwear also caused a stir on the Prada catwalk, with models wearing shoes with huge platforms often in various different colours.

As artistic director of Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld took the audience back to the 1970s with his collection. The palette was kept light and airy, with models donning peasant dresses and draw-string skirts. Frocks flowed around the body in pale hues, with red and orange prints also key. The patterns were re-created on the labels famous handbags too.

Milan Fashion Week continues over the weekend, with labels including Versace, Bottega Veneta, Emporio Armani, Max Mara and Just Cavalli also showing. (C) Cover Media