Milan Fashion Week has wrapped up another season. Here are the six biggest moments from the shows.
Gucci Reveals Everything
Designer Alessandro Michele opened up the backstage for his fall 2020 show and served up a new kind of access to showgoers. As he pulled back the curtain, the curiosity of everyone present was sated: Each step of pre-show prep was on display. Fashion devotees looked on and mingled among the models as they sat through hair and makeup. As the show began, a turning stage revealed the work of assembling each ensemble before the dressed models stepped to the edge of the stage to show off the finished looks. The Fashion Week circus took on the feel of a beautifully calm piece of choreography.
Moschino Takes the Cake
The Moschino show may have been held in Milan — but it was all about Paris!
Designer Jeremy Scott sent modern-day Marie Antoinettes down the catwalk in a parade of French flare — from toile-print bustles to saturated velvet jacquard. The unexpected “icing” is what caught most people’s attention, and came in the form of tiered cake-shaped frocks. Scott “let them eat cake” — and let them dress like it, too.
Philipp Plein Crafts a Spectacle
Designer Philipp Plein has been called many things, but boring isn’t one of them. He is a creator that knows “No Limits” and he held to that for his Saturday night show. Fashion is the heart of Plein’s work — but it’s his knack for showmanship that keeps people coming back to his runway every season. This latest endeavor incorporated a gilded fighter jet, boat, cars and even helicopters alongside a runway that held court to a performance by Tyga. The electric opening was followed by an eclectically star-studded show that opened with actress Jada Pinkett Smith and closed with a fashion-forward, yet controversial Kobe Bryant tribute.
Dolce & Gabbana Showcases Traditions
“Fatto a Mano” — which means “handmade” — was the title chosen for Sunday afternoon’s Dolce & Gabbana show. According to the show notes, the latest collection “is where memories and traditions are timeless concepts to be preserved in order to understand our present.” On the runway, this translated to a meditation on tailoring and knitwear. The focus was on the needlework, with many models covered in neutral-colored head-to-toe knitwear. Super-chunky sweaters, bralettes, pants, skirts, hats, bags, socks and even slippers all had their moment. It was a display of unparalleled skills from knitting masters.
Emilio Pucci Plays Host to a Special Guest
The house of Emilio Pucci welcomed guest designer Christelle Kocher of Koché for their fall 2020 collection. Pucci’s revered heritage and iconic, vibrant silk prints have stood strong through the test of time. Their coupling with Koché, a brand known for clever sportswear, has resulted in a complementary collaboration that pushes boundaries and spans demographics.
Fringe Swings to Top Trend
One trend took center stage on the Milan catwalks, in all styles and shades. Fringe sashayed its way down almost every designer’s runway. Bottega Veneta showed it in the form of shearling coats, knit dresses and pants. Prada’s thick, embellished “car wash” panel skirts were stand-outs and Salvatore Ferragamo’s gold-chain speakeasy-ready dress proved clutch for the present-day social being. Fringe benefits for all!