Over the past weekend, Dolce & Gabbana, Neil Barrett and Marc Jacobs all showed their collections in Milan, as a Fall/Winter 2015 trend for checked suits and retro-modern interplay began to emerge.

Dolce & Gabbana

The Sicilian designers returned with another monster show, this time celebrating 'Amore' in its eternal forms. They stuck to their signature silhouettes, but key touches included photo prints of families old and new, brocade suiting, worn denim and gold laurel wreaths, bees and crowns embroidered onto different pieces. It was also packed with contrasts: casual polos, jogging pants and slogan varsity jackets rubbed up against Palermo Sunday best three-piece suiting, luxurious astrakhan and tons of tuxedos. 

Neil Barrett

The Milan-based British menswear specialist mixed things up again, casting aside his usual classicism and precision for a blend of military, punk and retro streetwear influences. The culture clashes of the opening overcoat and bomber jacket hybrid and the classic trench coat blended with a wool overcoat were accompanied by the studded rude boy boots. There were also felted wools, tweeds and checks and a new focus on knits, as well as polar white shearling touches and, of course, a couple of Barrett's popular statement sweaters with explosive black and white motifs. 

Marc Jacobs

Prince of Wales check suiting and overcoats, suede casual jackets, generous trouser silhouettes that broke onto the top of boots, slouchy knits, fur coats: Jacobs's latest collection seemed to be mainlining this season's emerging trends for men. The American designer also added a dash of animal print, huge woven man-blankets, velvet tailoring, silk pajamas and a subtle winter floral to his Fall/Winter 2014 line-up.