Milan’s much quieter this morning. The streets are slowly emptying. Influencers, actors, and models from all over the world are getting ready for their flight back home. However, while the city is settling back into its old routine, this year’s Milan Fashion Week will be remembered for years to come.
Initially a long-awaited event, heralding the return to normality after two years of virtual shows, the whimsy of Fashion Week was clouded by the ever-evolving conflicts in Europe.
Bella Hadid opened the Fendi catwalk last Wednesday, and she made quite the entrance in a perfectly unraveled outfit. A perfect start for this first day of fashion week. She wore a sheer dress that resembled a Victoria’s Secret nightgown, spiced up with pastel gloves and a cosy coat. The slicked-back hair and the Y2K style glasses reminded us of an early 2000’s businesswoman, fresh from her beauty sleep.
On Thursday, her sister Gigi joined her in enchanting Moschino’s audience. The evocative venue, decorated by Renaissance paintings, helped to create a dreamy atmosphere that reflected director Jeremy Scott’s vision.
He created a collection inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, featuring a mix of costumes inspired by space travels and wealthy mansions. The models walked down the catwalk wearing clothes resembling lamp shades, draped tapestry, and grandfather clocks. It might sound silly but all the costumes were so well curated – down to the smallest details – that they managed to remain both stylish and surreal.
The most notable mention is the ultra-camp “Maid in Italy” look, a call-back to a classic Moschino design, complete with a feather-duster headpiece and a silver tea service bag. Seriously, we’re in love with this piece. Catch us at brunch next week with feathers in our hair.
Giorgio Armani’s fashion show was also one to remember. To pay his respect to the unfolding tragedy taking place in Europe he decided to have no music during the show. His decision added an extra layer of gravitas to all the clothes which silently paraded down the catwalk. Inspired by the 1930s, the collection was characterised by cubic prints and intarsia patterns. The costumes were effortless and poetic; like the soft women’s tuxedo, for example, and the ivory coat that resembled a robe. His sensitivity in paying a tribute to the people of Ukraine follows his innovative decision to be the first brand to host a virtual live show in February at the start of the COVID pandemic.
On the other hand, Donatella Versace decided to be as bold as possible, by adding corsets to almost every look. Not only that but many models heightened the drama by wearing them over bright red latex boots and gloves. Another detail to note was how bleached eyebrows was also a recurring theme, echoing Donatella Versace herself and a return to Marie Antoinette’s overly powered eyebrows. After two years of pandemic, Versace’s daring costumes, mixing sexiness and self-awareness, were much needed.
Last but not least, Gucci celebrated gender fluidity with his collaboration with Adidas. Joining sartorial tradition with sportswear staples, Alessandro Michele, Gucci’s Creative Director added the characteristic three white lines to suits and berets alongside Adidas logo. There was no distinct line between what is believed to be “feminine” and “masculine” as everything was merged in a colourful triumph.
Did you follow Milan Fashion Week? Do you have any favourite pieces? Let us know in the comments.
