Just when you thought Gucci's infant dragons had stolen the hearts and minds of the Milan Fashion Week crowds, Tod's pulled the ultimate rabbit-out-of-a-hat coup.

Only it wasn't rabbits lolloping down the runway, but puppies, nestled into the crooks of supermodel arms.

Sending Instagram into overdrive in the wag of a tail, Gigi Hadid emerged in layers of cosy shearling, clutching a doe-eyed Frenchie pup who kept remarkably well behaved as she did her tour of the runway.

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As well as Gigi's companion, to continue the Chinese Year of The Dog theme, there were notable appearances from a King Charles spaniel, an almost impossibly small white terrier and, of course, a chihuahua.

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But on to the clothes....

Originally architects of elegant driving shoes, wth Diego Della Valle holding the reins, the brand has considerably expanded its remit from fine leather shoes and bags, focussing increasingly on luxe outerwear too.

The AW18 season was a strong statement of versatility, with the traditional trench meeting shearling biker jackets, as well as longer leather coats.

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With the outerwear in the spotlight, Della Valle kept the rest of the clothes intentionally simple. Sports-inspired, we saw a selection of boatnecked hoodies with shirting details, a blending of work and leisurewear.

Patent leather skirts and trousers had drawstrings and elasticated waists, keeping even the stiffer, more traditionally bougie fabrics as casual as possible.

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The colour palette was confined to a muted, autumnal range of mustard yellows, soft mints and burnt reds, alongside cream and black leathers.

Totes and bucket bags paired with the longer trenches, while the nod to sportswear infiltrated even the accessories, with rucksacks and belt bags slung over the more casual looks.

Bags and shoes Tod's Milan Fashion Week AW18pinterest
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The models wore their hair in a sleek, side-parting, with deceptively-bare faces. The Hadid sisters, amongst others, looked as though they had just stepped out of an invigorating shower, thrown on some easy, but extremely luxurious leisurewear and left the house without much faff.

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Tod's called their show,'a story of everyday elegance', one in which their woman looks her put-together best, simply to walk the pooch.