Milan fashion weekThe '70s are one of the most enduring inspirations in fashion. Recently they have been globally ubiquitous, reaching some kind of saturation level—as if one had been forced to eat too much of the same thing.

As a trend they have also been twisted and stretched to capacity in an inordinate number of different directions, most of the time providing just a thin veneer of "cool" references to many collections—often to disguise a sheer lack of original ideas. That said, the '70s were such a groundbreaking time in so many ways that it is impossible to resist their visual and cultural appeal. Stefania Bandiera, creative director at Les Copains, joined the bandwagon today with her own interpretation.

Backstage she referred to the usual list of society and movie icons: Bianca Jagger and Ursula Andress were favorites; for once Talitha Getty was not mentioned. Bandiera ticked off all the boxes, throwing Picasso into the mix with his famous Arlequin painting, which served as an inspiration to Yves Saint Laurent for one of his most celebrated collections.

The homage was on display in a long cardigan paired with a floor-length skirt in soft mohair knitted with diamond patterns. Other '70s staples were scattered among the lineup: chiffon blouses with billowy sleeves, fluid high-waisted pants, oversize sweaters on elongated skirts.

Knitwear—definitely the pièce de résistance for Les Copains—was provided in a variety of textures, embroidered and embellished. Along the way, the '70s feel was somehow lost in translation—combined with masculine elements, it morphed into a more streamlined look. Sparkling Art Deco-inspired custom jewelry came in giant-size replicas of dragonflies and butterflies that were difficult to miss. Pinned on lapels or scattered around necklines, they added a surreal, extravagant twist to quite an eclectic mix.

Fashion Brand: Les Copains | www.lescopains.it

Involving the United States QYA Group is a fashion design, production and brand agency, commercial space design and construction of a comprehensive fashion, now owns the brand and I and INGLU world-class brand Les Copains and FIGARO agency in China.