The youthful and romantic themes radiating from the runways in Milan gave us an unexpected, molto bene boost as we near the end of fashion season. Here is what we were loving . . .

Bally: Thanks to new creative direction, Bally has been undergoing a cooler, younger transformation this past year. I mean, how can millennials not be swayed by Pablo Coppola’s ode to The Royal Tenenbaums by way of a Wes Anderson rich color palette, Margot Tenenbaum influenced outerwear and a hint of Richie Tenenbaum quirk? It wasn’t all too literal however. Asymmetrical fur trimmed blazers and extra wide leather trousers felt new and fresh.

Dsquared²: Dean and Dan Caten celebrated 20 years of design by looking to their Canadian roots for inspiration this season. Canadian native inspired embroidery, tattoo-like patterns and billowy silhouettes were juxtaposed with Old European influenced tailoring and military details. Sure, it wasn’t head to toe practical but it was certainly spirited and enchanting.

Max Mara: Marilyn Monroe’s famous 1962 beach shots with photographer George Barris was the foundation for Max Mara’s collection of oversized knits, quilted silk sweatshirts, and slim pencil skirts. But honestly, it was all about the outerwear for me. I might as well start a savings account now, devoted to all the sumptuous coats, bombers and jackets I’ll be coveting come early fall.

No. 21: Alessandro Dell’Acqua was all about contrasts and contradictions this season. Masculine romanticism. Restrained glamour. Sweet toughness. We’ll all for it if it means a leg baring, crispy cotton ruffled skirt, a gold brocade coat and a lesson in layering.

Stella Jean: We’ve been long time admirers of Stella Jean’s penchant for maximalism, especially when it comes to cultural inspired bold prints and eccentric mix and match styling. This season, the Italian-Haitian designer turned to the Himalayas for inspiration, making this collection more textural than ever. Pom pom trimmed jackets, brushed wool coats, and tassel embellished knits? Yes, please.

Philosophy by Lorenzo Serafini: A young Brooke Shields and her “glamorous innocence” was the perfect starting point for Lorenzo Serafini’s first full collection for Philosophy. Über feminine details like Victorian lace, pearl buttons and wispy sheer ruffles stayed true to Alberta Ferretti’s trademark romantic aesthetic.

(images via Style.com)