Gucci's Fall/Winter 2012 collection kicked off Milan Fashion Week Wednesday with a dark glamour, as if to confirm the economic outlook of Italian fashion.

Gucci's designer-in-chief Frida Giannini described the collection as "a dark glamour."
"This is modern-day romanticism. A dramatic sensuality, a dark glamour. With subtle tones of provocative intellect," said Giannini.

Models wearing deep plum lipstick walked down the runway in dramatic evening gowns in rich textures of velvet, feathers and chiffon, mostly featuring dark and muted colors of black, navy blue, burgundy, and deep green.

A three-piece collection in blue and green feathers -- a dress, skirt and jacket -- sparked applause from front-row critics, according to AFP.

Italian fashion is expecting a 5.2 per cent decline in 2012 according to the National Chamber of Italian Fashion.