Milan Fashion Week witnessed a star-studded affair as celebrities flocked to the runway shows for next spring and summer. Madonna made a semi-stealth entrance at the Dolce & Gabbana show, epitomizing the iconic cone bra synonymous with her 1990s era. The collection paid homage to an ironic and powerful female figure, with models donning bleach-blonde wigs and corsets. The designers shared their admiration for Madonna, crediting her for changing many aspects of their lives. The “Italian Beauty” collection featured cone bras, floral prints, and oversized cross earrings, capturing a moment in time that resonated with the audience.
Bottega Veneta’s collection showcased a blend of real-world and fantasy elements, exploring the boundaries between adulthood and childhood. Creative director Matthieu Blazy aimed to delight and bring joy through his designs, incorporating playful elements like crinkled clothes and colorful raffia wigs. Each detail was deliberate, from flat collars shaped like bunny ears to faux plastic grocery bags made from nylon and leather. The brand’s ongoing technological innovations were evident in the design of everyday objects like woven bags for a violin and a wine bottle, adding a whimsical touch to the collection.
Ferragamo’s creative director Maximilian Davis drew inspiration from ballet and archival photos of Salvatore Ferragamo fitting African American ballet dancer Katherine Dunham for shoes. The collection paid homage to the freedom of movement inherent in ballet, with designs featuring strong shoulders, oversized tailoring, and billowing bubble shapes. Cashmere dancer wraps and denim shorts with frayed edges nodded to the ballet theme, creating a modern interpretation of dance-inspired fashion. The collection showcased a blend of heritage and contemporary design, reflecting Davis’ Jamaican roots and Ferragamo’s Italian-ness.
Diesel took a sustainable approach to fashion by using denim scraps to highlight the beauty of waste in their latest collection. Models walked on a field of denim scraps, representing the brand’s commitment to circularity in production. Creative director Glenn Martens experimented with textile techniques, embroidering extra-long fringe on short-shorts and lasering jeans to create a distressed look. The brand’s disruption extended beyond design, with a coat made from leftover spools of denim thread and oversized jeans crafted from recycled cotton. The collection showcased Diesel’s innovative approach to sustainable fashion and commitment to reducing waste in the industry.
Overall, Milan Fashion Week was a celebration of creativity, innovation, and sustainability in the fashion industry. From iconic cone bras inspired by Madonna to modern interpretations of ballet-inspired fashion, each designer brought a unique perspective to the runway. Celebrities added to the glamour of the event, with stars like Madonna, Naomi Campbell, and Jacob Elordi gracing the front rows of various shows. As the fashion world looks towards the future, these collections highlighted the importance of embracing heritage, experimenting with design, and prioritizing sustainability in the creation of new fashion trends.
