“I was just blinded by the flashlights, that was pretty intense, but it's my first time in Milan so I'm really excited to be here,” Byrne said.

The Bridesmaids and Damages actress was a special guest at the show after she was announced as the recipient of the 2014 Women in Film Max Mara Face of the Future Award, which recognises outstanding acting achievement and women who embody style and grace.

Women in Film is a non-profit organisation with a mandate to help women achieve gender parity in the film and media industries, both in front of and behind the camera.

“I'm really honoured because it's a fantastic organisation devoted to recognising women in film and improving that representation,” said Byrne, who was dressed in a black Max Mara coat, white trousers and a silver top.

“There still is a disparity between the amount of women you see on screen and the amount of men, and it's through these organisations that more attention can come to that and hopefully more equality.”

Unlike many front row regulars who only wear borrowed clothes from the brands whose shows they attend, Byrne said she paid for plenty of Max Mara garments with her own money over the years.

“I've long bought their coats and sweaters so I'm a big fan,” she said.

The actress would have found plenty to covet in Max Mara's new autumn winter collection, which was dominated by tweeds of all kinds including Prince of Wales checks, herringbones, Donegals and plaids.

Luxurious alpaca and shearling outerwear was teamed with sleek pencil skirts and fine gauge knits, over which waistcoats of all shapes and sizes were layered and buttoned.

And just in case you forgot which show you were attending, a “Max Mara” lettered print was also applied to jackets, coats and skirts.

Georgina Safe travelled to Milan as a guest of Woolmark