Background: Milan Fashion Week, which kicked off on Wednesday as the third stop of the traditional "big four" fashion weeks, is apt to be a tame affair this year, as the Italian clothing industry grapples with the impact of the global financial crisis. This year there will be fewer fashion shows, with many firms opting for modest exhibitions, according to the Italian Chamber of Fashion. At the men's show in January, there had been a fifth fewer shows than the year before.
Italian actress and designer Valeria Marini (C) acknowledges the applause at the end of the presentation of her Seduzioni Diamonds Valeria Marini Fall/Winter 2009/10 women's collection during Milan Fashion Week February 25, 2009.
Two models display creations from the Seduzioni Diamonds Valeria Marini Fall/Winter 2009/10 women's collection during the Milan Fashion Week February 25, 2009.
A model displays a creation as part of the Alessia Xoccato for Next Generation Fall/Winter 2009/10 women's collection during Milan Fashion Week February 25, 2009.
A model displays a creation for the Regeneration Fall/Winter 2009/10 women's collection show at Milan Fashion Week February 25, 2009.
A model displays a creation as part of the Elena Miro Fall/Winter 2009/10 women's collection during Milan Fashion Week February 25, 2009.
