Milan Fashion Week opened Wednesday on an optimistic note, despite the shadows cast by the soaring cost of energy. Almost 70 catwalk shows and 110 presentations are scheduled over the next six days, featuring the giants of Italian fashion, from Gucci to Prada, Versace, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Bottega Veneta. 

The return of a mostly full live programme in February after two years of coronavirus was marred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine two days in. But this season the international jet set are back in force, from 300 journalists to 450 buyers expected -- including the first Chinese delegation since the pandemic closed borders across the globe.