But it's back in full force for autumn winter 2012, and there's still plenty of fresh ideas to discover for Veronica Etro and this 44-year-old family label.

Moving away from the louche pyjama style so prevalent for spring, here Etro showed a sexy take on the trend. So figure-hugging corseted bandeau dresses with peplum hips and transparent gauze tops had the swirling paisley print snaking up the body. In some instances the print on sheer netting left the impression of a tattoo and leather was laser-cut to mimic the swirls of the print, ruffled along jackets. Velvet—a lot of it about in Milan—gave a sultry feel to floor-length gowns.

As well as the dominant house paisley, Etro explored a patchwork of jacquard, velvet and tweed as well as some mannish, chalk-stripe trouser suits complete with neck-tie. In paisley, of course.