The fashion family gathered in Milan

If you saw this photo and I told you it was from Cibeles, would you believe me? I don't think so. There's something in the light, the attitude of the people, their outfits, even the atmosphere, that makes you think we don't have that here... for now. And that's okay. Milan committed to the fashion industry decades ago, and it's logical that they would have that head start. Of course, it still impresses those of us who experience it for the first time, because, my dears, last weekend I was in Milan, OH, MILAN!

Not even at Paris Fashion Week was I as blown away. In Milan, everything is more accepted, more ingrained, more natural. The real runway is around the entrance to the shows, and so attendees and onlookers dress as if for a Steven Meisel editorial, but very relaxed, not at all affected.

Therefore, they respond very naturally when one of the 200 photographers, street-style bloggers, Japanese TV interviewers, RAI reporters, bloggers, etc., etc., many etc., asks them for a photo or a few brief words. Everyone cooperates, everyone understands, there's no need for explanations, a simple "a photo please" is enough and in a millisecond they strike a pose that creates the tension of having to take a good photo of them, because they know what they're doing.

Luckily, the city also cooperates and bathes everything in just the right light. No harsh sun creating hard shadows, nor clouds that obscure the true colors. No, there's a milky, precise light that ensures everything comes out just right. And the funniest thing is that certain streets have a familiar touch that you recognize from seeing the same shots in photos by Garance Doré or Scott Schuman (blessed be their names).

But if the streets feel familiar, I don't need to tell you about the faces; everyone, EVERYONE is there. The editors of all the magazines, actresses, and other socialites mingle with an equally well-dressed crowd, making you go crazy like in Disneyland, taking photos left and right. In fact, you could set your camera on automatic and cool photos would keep coming out.

Like this one, for example, where I was interested in photographing the stylish gentleman arriving at the show on a motorcycle, impeccably dressed in a suit, when suddenly another gentleman with a deep gaze cuts into my shot. It wasn't until days later, in front of the computer, that I realized it was Jefferson Hack, co-founder of Dazed & Confused, who had ruined my photo.

Likewise, it wasn't until yesterday, while editing the photos, that I recognized Tommy from Jack & Jil as the photographer on the right with studded loafers. While I was there, I took a quick photo of them because I found their pairing amusing; they were among the least mobile and seemed a bit tired, unlike me, who was happily running from one side to the other.

Being excited has its advantages, like being the only one to get a photo of the great Suzy Menkes. She commands respect, and no one asked her for a photo, until I realized she was next to me and pleaded with a..."oh please Miss Menkes, would you mind if I take a picture of you?" (All those years in private school have to show in an exquisite education)... to which she replied with a faint but kind..."Oh, but I'm feeling terrible today." Then my eyes welled up like Shreck's cat's (because drama classes also have to make an impact), my lips began to droop, and Suzy, fearing I would burst into a sob audible all the way to the Duomo, took pity and told me..."Well, OK... take it" and smiled. I love you Suzy.

Inside the show, I played paparazzi and stole photos of her while she was taking notes before it started. I couldn't help it, it's her, it's Suzy! The mother of fashion.

And if Suzy is the mother, Hamish Bowles is... the single uncle you always want next to you at every family event. Uncle Hamish! How are you? How have you been? Where have you been lately? People must have told you many times that you look like Errol Flynn, right? Did you bring me a gift?

Continuing with the great fashion family, the cousin you want to be like when you grow up, Giovanna Battaglia (Vogue Italia), also joined the feast. I was impressed by how stunning this woman is in person, pure remastered classical Italian beauty.

I like Giovanna's hair, just two rows away from me... so much so that we could have chatted... "Cousin, have you been to Ravello? It's beautiful, you'd love it."

Of course, in every family there's a sister-in-law you just don't quite understand, in this case it would be Zhang Ziyi.

Grandpa's favorite couldn't be missing. Roberta Armani appeared accompanied by Eugenia Silva, who has fabulous hair and chicken legs that are quite off-putting.

Oh, right, because in my excitement I forgot to tell you who was hosting the gathering. It was the great grandpa Giorgio, Giorgio Armani. Like any host, he will make us wait and will appear next time along with photos of his Emporio Armani show, which I had the honor of enjoying and took as a sign, because no one makes jackets like Armani and it was practically the garment of the show.

Thousands of hugs,

The Countess on a roll