ROME - Italy's top luxury brands including Prada, Armani and Fendi take to the catwalks during Milan's fashion week from Wednesday to show off hotly-awaited collections to global fashionistas.

Gucci is set to kick off the autumn-winter 2012 collections which will see 72 Italian and international brands shimmying down sleek runways in a week of dazzling shows and parties wound up by fashion icon Giorgio Armani.

Fendi SS 12 - Photo: Pixel Formula

Alberta Ferretti, famed for her cocktail dresses and ultra-feminine creations, also stars on Wednesday, followed on Thursday by Fendi and Prada.

Thursday will end with champagne at a party for a Valentino store opening.

Etro, known for its trademark bright colors and bold patterns, will show off its new collection on Friday, along with Moschino and Versace.

German designer Tomas Maier will unveil his latest creations for Italian brand Bottega Veneta on Saturday, followed by Emporio Armani and Jil Sander.

On Sunday, it will be the turn of Marni, Missoni and Dolce & Gabbana.

Fashion week winds up with DSquared2, Roberto Cavalli, Gianfranco Ferre' and Armani on Monday, with Tuesday dedicated to up and coming new designers and an exploration of Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci's fashion creations.

The famous Mona Lisa painter was a bit of a fashion designer on the side, sketching accessories including an ornate handbag which has been turned into a must-have for art-lovers by luxury leather maker Gherardini.