Top trends from Milan menswear shows

With the conclusion of the Milan menswear Spring-Summer 2017 fashion shows, three trends stood out the most across the complete show schedule: Let's Party, Unisex, Outdoor Is In and Sporty. 

- Let's party -

The future of exclusively menswear catwalk shows is in doubt but the cult of the 'see and be seen party' is alive and well.

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Highlights this time included Dsquared2 duo Dean and Dan Caten's bash in their own Ceresio restaurant, which boasts spectacular views of the Milanese skyline.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana treated the crowds outside their show to glasses of bubbly before hosting their party at Bistrot Martini, where social media celebrity Cameron Dallas was the guest of honour.

At the same time, Philipp Plein was throwing a basketball-themed soiree with rapper Busta Rhymes and Paris Hilton DJ-ing.

Miuccia Prada meanwhile opted for a more low-key approach, throwing a dinner at her contemporary art foundation for 300 of her friends, including actors Jessica Chastain and Willem Dafoe.

- Unisex -

The merging of men and women's fashion continues apace. Men in skirts and dresses is nothing new for Vivienne Westwood but the trend was also apparent at more traditionally 'virile' marques: Dsquared2 sent out its models in extraordinary thigh-high boots worthy of a drag queen. And Gucci's last menswear show before it merges its collections was marked by the androgyny that has come to define the brand under Alessandro Michele.

- Outdoor is in -

The fresh air could be breathed in everywhere with numerous designers taking their cue from wholesome activities like camping, hiking and climbing. Next summer's fashionable man feels the need to take refuge in nature, using silence and meditation to offset the stress of modern life. See Prada's backpacks and flasks, Moncler's sleeping bags and multi-pocketed clothes, Ferragamo's Sahara gilets, Breton-fisherman yellow waxed rainwear at Gucci and walking sandals and socks at Versace.

- Sporty -

With Euro 2016 underway and the Rio Olympics on the horizon, sport was a big inspiration for numerous designers. Notable examples included skate-boarders at Emporio Armani, basketball-style shorts at Philipp Plein and an Olympic-themed collection by Dirk Bikkembergs, whose show in the Caimi swimming pool -- a renovated jewel of the 1930s -- included a brief water polo training session.