Milan Fashion Week: A Celebration of Italian Craftsmanship and Vision ✨
Milan Fashion Week showcased an array of creativity and innovation. This season, designers embraced a rich tapestry of themes, blending nostalgia with contemporary flair, and setting the tone for the upcoming fashion landscape.
Let's dive into the highlights that had everyone talking, from the runways to the front rows!
Gucci's Renaissance
Under the direction of Sabato De Sarno, Gucci's collection was a masterclass in "casual grandeur." Drawing inspiration from Jackie Kennedy-Onassis's chic summers in Capri, the lineup featured sheer lace dresses and elegant leather pieces that exuded timeless sophistication. De Sarno’s vision was clear: to celebrate life's fleeting moments and encourage wearers to embrace their individuality.
Versace's Power Play
Donatella Versace brought a vibrant energy to the runway with a collection that radiated confidence. The use of striking floral patterns and military-inspired designs created a dynamic visual experience. Versace’s commitment to sustainability shone through with innovative materials, including playful 3D-printed elements that added an exciting twist to classic glamour.
Ferragamo's Graceful Evolution
At Ferragamo, Maximilian Davis explored the themes of ballet, presenting pieces that embodied grace and fluidity. Lace-up shoes paired with soft cashmere showcased a perfect blend of historical references and modern sensibilities. Davis emphasised storytelling through each design, reminding us how fashion can reflect personal heritage.
Dolce & Gabbana's Icon Worship
The iconic duo Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana paid homage to their muse, Madonna, with a collection that celebrated her most memorable fashion moments. From conical bra bustiers to glamorous gowns, the runway was a vibrant homage to a cultural icon who has shaped fashion over decades. The designers reflected on Madonna's influence, stating that she has always been an inspiration for their work.
Bally Subversive Tailoring
Simone Bellotti's collection for Bally explored classic tailoring with an avant-garde twist. The show featured skirts that unraveled, oversized collars, and sharp metal accents on accessories. Playful hues like royal blue and red disrupted a neutral palette, resulting in a dynamic lineup that reinterpreted traditional suiting into something fresh and thought-provoking.
Fendi's Feminine Strength
At Fendi, Kim Jones showcased a collection that celebrated feminine strength through transparent fabrics adorned with art deco embellishments. Retro flapper dresses were paired with rugged Red Wing workwear boots, merging elegance with practicality. Jones emphasised that he wanted to present "a real woman," blending soft aesthetics with strong silhouettes.
Diesel's Urban Edge
Glenn Martens brought an urban edge to Diesel's Spring/Summer 2025 collection. With an emphasis on denim reimagined through innovative techniques, the show featured oversized silhouettes and playful layering. Martens' designs embraced street style while incorporating sustainable practices, making a bold statement about modern fashion's direction.
Marni's Essential Beauty Routine
Francesco Risso's collection for Marni explored the beauty of self-expression through fashion. Titled "Essential Beauty Routine," models sported pencil-thin eyebrows and whimsical hats made from paper-like materials. Risso's designs reflected his contemplation of both cruelty and innocence in today's world, reminding us that beauty can be both armour and a celebration of purity.
Marco Rambaldi's Emotional Connections
Marco Rambaldi's Spring/Summer 2025 collection delved into themes of memory and emotional connection. The runway showcased knitwear featuring punched ribs, rainbow hearts, and lace stitches that evoked nostalgia while celebrating body positivity. Rambaldi’s use of printed tulle petticoats and satin skirts highlighted intimate moments shared among friends and family. The collection’s vibrant colours and textures created a symphony of light and shadow, reflecting the beauty found in everyday life.
Etro's Mediterranean Warmth
Marco De Vincenzo's Spring/Summer 2025 collection for Etro celebrated the vibrant spirit of Mediterranean summers. Drawing inspiration from his childhood memories, De Vincenzo used agave plants as symbols of rebirth and renewal. The runway showcased explosive floral prints on flamenco-inspired skirts with neon lace trimming and high-slit gowns that exuded confidence and glamour.
Roberto Cavalli's Sensual Sophistication
Roberto Cavalli, creative director Fausto Puglisi paid tribute to the late founder with a collection that blended sensuality with sophistication. Flowing silhouettes adorned with intricate beadwork showcased Cavalli’s iconic animal prints in new forms. The show felt like an homage to fun-loving partygoers while honouring Cavalli’s legacy through bold designs.
Boss' Relaxed Professionalism
Boss’ SS25 collection redefined workwear for the modern professional. The lineup featured wrap blazers, silk robes, and button-down shirts in earthy tones that struck a balance between executive polish and relaxed comfort. This collection introduced a more laid-back attitude while maintaining Boss’s reputation for sharp tailoring.
Del Core's From Lab to Fab
Daniel Del Core's Spring/Summer 2025 collection told the story of a scientist’s transformation from day to night. Opening with sheer white lab coat-inspired pieces accessorised with vintage books, the show gradually evolved into high glamour. Del Core’s expertise in creating statement pieces blurred lines between science and fashion.
Emporio Armani's Timeless Mastery
At Emporio Armani, sustainability was also embraced in their SS25 collection, which celebrated classic elegance reimagined for today’s wearer. The lineup featured elegant eveningwear crafted from recycled polyester and organic silks alongside relaxed linen suits in soothing shades that highlighted Armani’s signature understated sophistication. This show served as a poignant reminder that true style transcends time while also addressing contemporary environmental concerns.
GCDS' Urban Playfulness
The GCDS show brought an urban playfulness to Milan Fashion Week with its vibrant graphics and oversized silhouettes. Streetwear influences were evident in bold prints paired with luxe fabrics. The collection embraced youthful exuberance while pushing boundaries within contemporary fashion.
Bottega Veneta's Whimsical Escape
Matthieu Blazy infused his collection at Bottega Veneta with a sense of playful nostalgia. The designs encouraged imagination, featuring unexpected textures and proportions that made each piece feel like a whimsical adventure. Blazy’s approach highlighted the importance of sincerity in fashion, inviting wearers to embrace joy in their style choices.
Prada's Eclectic Vision
Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons presented an eclectic mix that challenged conventional aesthetics. The collection featured a fascinating blend of retro-inspired elements and avant-garde tailoring, creating a narrative that felt both fresh and familiar. Prada's ability to weave together diverse influences reaffirmed its status as a leader in innovative fashion.
Jil Sander's Artistic Fusion
At Jil Sander, co-creative directors Lucie and Luke Meier showcased designs that merged art with wearability. Inspired by photographer Greg Girard, their collection featured iridescent fabrics and bold prints that transformed garments into expressive works of art while maintaining practicality for everyday wear.
Max Mara's Modern Classics
Under Ian Griffiths, Max Mara presented a collection that redefined modern minimalism. Crisp white shirt dresses and streamlined silhouettes highlighted the brand’s dedication to elegance while exploring new forms. Griffiths demonstrated how simplicity can be both impactful and sophisticated.