This week, Milan’s schedule is one of the strongest Fashion Weeks to date following London and New York.
We’ve already seen the fash pack sit front row at Alberta Ferretti, Moschino and Gucci, and over the weekend, there was a slew of coveted F/W’18 collections from the industry’s top names. Take a look here…
Max Mara
What you need to know: Max Mara is known for mastering the concept of conveying feminism through its cuts, silhouettes and fabrics and this season was no different. With a strong female force at the core of the collection, the brand’s signature camel coat was on display along with an array of sleek suits, tailored coats, pencil skirts and bomber jackets.
In case you missed it: Hijabi model Halima Aden made her return to the catwalk with Max Mara’s show and she wasn’t the only hijabi model the brand has cast for the show. Amina Adan is the new name to know as she was dressed in a leopard-print headscarf and Prince of Wales checked oversized suit.
Fendi
What you need to know: With Karl Lagerfeld and Silvia Venturi Fendi at the helm of Fendi, there’s nothing that can ever go wrong. Targeting daytime glamour, the designer duo injected a fun, flirty and feminine aesthetic into the new autumnal collection. The new range was a juxtaposition of strong tailoring (seen through jackets, blazers and trousers) and soft separates (echoed through silk dresses, light florals and fur sweatshirts).
Key item: We can never have too many handbags and if we could add one to the top of our list, it would be Fendi’s new version of its iconic Peekaboo bag.
Emilio Pucci
What you need to know: Emilio Pucci recently designed an exclusive collection for Dubai in December and that Middle Eastern-vibe is evident through the house’s F/W’18 collection. In addition to sending a series of kaftans and modest cuts (in signature brand codes: colourful, printed and maximalist) down the runway, there was also a selection of voluminous skirts, long-sleeved crop tops, oversized jackets and headscarves.
Worth noting: This is the second season the maison has delivered a collection without a Creative Director. Massimo Giorgetti exited the brand last year and the position has yet to be filled. Watch this space.
Prada
What you need to know: There was a change of venue for the highly-anticipated Prada show as the fashion house opted for the newest addition to the Fondazione Prada complex to showcase its newest collection. We spotted a plethora of the brand’s black nylon (it is considered one of the brand’s founding principles) as it came in the form of raincoats whilst fluorescent hues and digital prints were spotted on dresses, vests, rubber boots and sweaters.
Key moment: History was made at the Prada show over the weekend after model Anok Yai opened the F/W’18 runway show. Marking the second time a woman of colour has opened a Prada show, the 19-year-old followed in the footsteps of Naomi Campbell‘s walk in 1997 (yes, it’s been over 20 years).
Tod’s
What you need to know: Tod’s casually-cool ensembles walked the runway in the brand’s signature earthy-toned colour palette. With a focus on outerwear this season, there was a lot of leather, shearling and suede across dresses, parkas, trenches, jackets and jumpsuits (yes, please!).
Spotlight moment: Although the collection was a strong one this season, it was those adorable puppies that caught our attention. The pups were underarm to serve a spotlight on Tod’s newest accessories including their handbags, footwear and belts.
Etro
What you need to know: There was a gamut of colours at the Etro show over the weekend but if one thing remained the same throughout the collection, it was that each look channelled a bohemian-meets-western aesthetic. The autumnal range featured boho chic elements including fringed shearlings, tasselled details, folkloric patterned coats and oversized denim.
Wish-list item: That printed blanket coat (top left) will pretty much go with anything. Whether belted around the waist or worn over a pair of denim and a tee, this is an item to add to your wardrobes for fall.
Roberto Cavalli
What you need to know: Marking Paul Surridge‘s second collection show for Roberto Cavalli, there was a new injection of luxury and energy (whilst still staying true to the brand’s DNA). To pay tribute to the maison, there was a selection of iconic eveningwear pieces from the brand’s archives that were reimagined for the show. Plus, we spotted a few exotic skins and animal prints for added glamour.
One-off moment: Paul Surridge also showcased his debut collection for men and staged a co-ed show during this season’s MFW. The co-ed show was announced to the public last December and will be a one-off this season.
Aigner
What you need to know: Aigner unveiled a bold collection during Milan Fashion Week. From coats, dresses, jackets and skirts, the autumnal collection featured a lot of soft leathers, slight ruffles, velvet detailing and of course, accessories. The brand recently collaborated with Ascia Al Faraj and spoke exclusively to Buro 24/7 Middle East about the launch of the collection and the region.
Spotted trend: Some of Aigner’s ensembles featured a layered drape around the collar line. Perhaps something we’ll be seeing on the streets soon?
Versace
What you need to know: Although there were no iconic supermodels or an epic finale this season, the autumnal pieces sent down the runway screamed Versace (sorry, Versach-eh). Archival prints, denim and clashing hues came together in an ode to ’90s glamour. Also, there were tees paired with silky ball skirts, bustiers that acted as a new layering piece, printed headscarves and colourful catsuits.
Model line-up: We’ve seen Kaia Gerber and Gigi Hadid front shows here and there but Versace’s runway also included Imaan Hammam, Grace Elizabeth and Vittoria Cerreti (who took the eighth spot on top models with the most engaged followers on Instagram).
Now, take a look at some of the highlights from London Fashion Week.
