Women's collections coming off the runway for next year's warmer weather are all about the pastoral - relaxing looks in both silhouette and colour, with flowing styles and floral patterns that blend with the prevailing pastel palette.

On the same plaza where models had strutted the runways just days earlier, it seemed like New York Fashion Week had been a mere prelude to NYCB's glittery fall gala. The evening's star was legendary designer Valentino, and the focus was on clothes, onstage and off.

Floral references during the second day of Milan Fashion Week womenswear previews on Thursday ranged from the graphic motif to romantic bouquets or jungle foliage. It's not a sexy season. Collections for next summer are more romantic than racy and sheer fabrics suggest more than they show.

A positive self-image helps take the angst out of ageing.

If the first day of previews at Milan Fashion Week is any indication, next summer will feature a lot of bold colour and patterns. While the more structured, usually daytime, looks were in heavier fabrics, evening or playtime came in airier, diaphanous materials like chiffon and tulle. Milan designers are offering more romantic looks rather than their trademark slinky and sexy. Long and loose pants were paired with ample tunic tops while voluminous long skirts offered a nice sweep.

London Fashion Week kicked into high gear on day 3, with a hectic day of shows that culminated in Lady Gaga taking a starring turn on celebrity milliner Philip Treacy’s catwalk. Earlier in the day, punk queen Vivienne Westwood upstaged her own models in a finale that saw her strutting down the runway with a climate change slogan T-shirt. Fashion doesn’t get more theatrical than this.

Elasticated waists and sensible shoes? Not these women. They tell Viva why being of a (certain) age is something to celebrate.

Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, has added some island flavour to her wardrobe and gained a small Pacific label international recognition overnight.

A new study by plastic surgeons found that women's ideal eyebrows are becoming lower, flatter and less arched.

Newcomers and established designers alike took audiences on flights of fancy on Day 2 of London Fashion Week, which showcased an eclectic range of women's wear creations.

Viva chats with actress Mia Blake about life in costume.

Gwyneth Paltrow's classic and sophisticated style has earned her the crown of the best dressed woman in the world according to People magazine. Check out a few of her flawless looks this year.

A new scent evokes the essence of the label's founder.

The world's hippest grandmother and former French Vogue editor, Carine Roitfeld, talks to Melissa Whitworth about the past, the future and peeing in carparks.

The Big Apple has myriad temptations for time away from Fashion Week events.

Every so often at Fashion Week, there is a moment when the runway is transported from the bustle of New York to a different time or place. Who needs a plane ticket to join the jet set? Might as well let your clothes do the globe-trotting.

While the focus is on clothes and craftsmanship at NZ Fashion Week, there's more to the annual event. Viva Fashion Features Editor Zoe Walker brings us her insights from backstage.

The story of New York Fashion Week has been told in mostly black and white - making it that much harder to ignore all the unusual prints on the runway. And it's not just pretty florals or polka dots.

Victoria's Secret Angels have taken to the catwalk in the annual luxury lingerie extravaganza. Check out the stunning snaps from the New York event.