This creation was part of the Rocco Barocco Spring/Summer 2009 fashion collection, presented in Milan, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008.[AP]

Leopard and tiger print swimsuits were draped rather than stretched over bodies, with soft, full silk coats in similar spots and stripes.

Sheer, see-through blouses were worn with skinny skirts embroidered with bursts of Chrysanthemums, a motif used in basic black and cream or powerful purple and crimson for evening wear.

And jewelry was big and bold, shiny and black - a trend continued by Venice-based Roberta Scarpa. Her models wore drop earrings that looked inspired by Venetian chandeliers. The lagoon city's influence also came through in damask silks, watermark prints and lace.

Coffee and cream swirled on silk like a rainstorm on water and necklines were slashed to the navel.

Scarpa flashed cornflower blue and tomato red into belts or shoes and later into full-length, flowing evening dresses for a dazzling finish.

On another catwalk, designer Giorgio Armani used soft fabrics for his trademark elegant streamlined shapes at the Emporio Armani women's wear collection on Sunday.

Blue and white stripes gave a naval feel to short bolero jackets and wide-flowing trousers.