01/19/09 - The cardigan is Maier's source of inspiration for the season, with his tailored pieces still very much in the spotlight too. And the men's clutch is the new essential accessory...

During Milan fashion week, designer Tomas Maier brought us his fall winter Bottega Veneta 09/10 collection.

The colour palette wasn't surprising - Maier's interest in soft colour palettes is famous by now. It was dominated by a range of different brown and beige tones that combined well with voluptuous truffle shades.

The Bottega Veneta concept of luxury, which avoids excesses, seems to fit perfectly with the austerity required by many in the current economic climate.

The cardigan is Maier's source of inspiration for the season, but his comfortable, figure-defining tailored pieces were still very much in the spotlight too. The jackets were stylish and classic; the collars were up and they were combined with glasses, an essential accessory.

Maier didn't go over the top with bags, though he made it clear that men's clutches will be an essential piece next autumn, like his suede shoes.