All the best highlights from the Milan Fashion Week 2023

It’s raining fashion weeks this month and the carnival, having started from New York to hit the streets of London has now finally made its way to the wonderful city of Milan. So yes, it’s time to brace yourself for yet another fashion party that’s set to host the crème de la crème of the fashion world, all under one roof. With the first day off to a fantastic start (September 18), one’s already got a glimpse of what’s in store with iconic Italian brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Versace, along with a host of young and upcoming designers showcasing their Spring/Summer 2024 collections.  

Here are the stand-out moments from the week. 

September 24: Day Six

 

 

Amongst the collections that stood out on Sunday was the one by AVAVAV curated by Stockholm-born designer Beate Karlsson. The word used to best describe the show would be 'urgency'. It began with the backstage staff quickly pasting pages on the wall before pushing a model on the runaway before she quicky returned backstage. There was a model with 'ADD BACK?!' written on her T-shirt and another one with 'NO TIME TO DESIGN' on her hoodie, that reflected the fast-paced designing process and the time crunches that the fashion industry finds itself in. 

 

The best for the day was saved for the last as Italian designer Giorgio Armani showcased his collection titled 'Vibes' wearing a satin jacket and satin grey trousers. Most of the outfits had the same combination as well and one got to see it in cropped shirts, jackets, sheer blouses, and strapless dresses that were worn over trousers.

September 23: Day Five

 

 

Saturday was all things spectacular in Milan with the likes of Bottega Veneta, The Attico, Dolce Gabbana, Missoni, and Ferragamo amongst the leading brands that showcased their collections. 

For Spring 2024, the collection by Bottega Veneta had hand-painted maps, chirping birds and waterfalls in what made for a fashion-forest backdrop. One got to see trench coats, clutch bags, knitwear, striped shirts, and neckties made from leather. 

 

British designer Maximilian Davis unveiled his third collection at Ferragamo doing away with the brand's signature red and chose to go with a black, white and green palette. There were sleek black suits, zipped shirts and pleated trousers that went well with flip flops. Coming to the green, one saw leather coats, v-necks, cargo pants, etc. 

 

Car manufacturer Ferrari's Spring/Summer 2024 collection saw models walk around a circular runway in looks that varied from subtle nudes and bold reds. Add to that, there were white puffed-sleeve leather dresses that were paired with racing gloves, suits with chest pockets that were accessorised with jewelry and bags. Not to forget, one also got to see the brand's signature red in the form of leather ensembles. 

 

 

September 22: Day Four

It was Friday, it was fashion and it was fantastic at the Milan Fashion week as Gucci and Versace brought the house down with their spectacular collections. Italian designer Sabato De Sarno's Gucci debut saw him showcase his 'Gucci Ancora' collection that had simple silhouettes that were simple, all things fun and party. 

 

 

One got to witness a collection that started with an overcoat that was floor lenght, a white tee, and shorts tied together by a “GG” belt. Add to that, there were hoodies with Gucci lettering that went well with dark red leather bottoms, leather jackets, pullovers with large collars and ornaments, as well as saw him complete the collection with sensual lingerie made from see-through lace.

 

The Italian label SUNNEI was interactivity at its best as they gave the audience to participate in the collection reveals. Each guest got 10 paddles with numbers written that allowed them to rate every outfit. One saw motorcycle jackets, denim ensembles and athletic tops, V-neck tops, and maxi dresses.

 

Ending the night on a high was Claudia Schiffer as the iconic '90s German supermodel, made her runway return closing the Versace spring 2024 show. She wore a floor-length green and silver checkerboard dress.  

 

September 21: Day Three

 

It was a terrific third day at the Milan Fashion Week as the likes of Moschino, Prada, Emporio Armani, and Tom Ford amongst others showcased their collections. One of the most-anticipated shows was the one by Prada and they didn't disappoint as they experimented with uniforms and party-ready ensembles. Armani's collection, on the other hand, had a host of colour on display as it started with shades of silver, taupe, black, and gray before transitioning to shades of green, blue, purple, and pink in outfits that ranged from flowing skirts, shorts, bra tops, bandeaus, and sheer blouses. 

 

The show that got everyone talking was the one by Moschino as they celebrated being 40 years in the fashion world with a collection inspired by the ’80s and ’90s via a four-act play that perfectly blended fashion with some performing arts. It had double-breasted suits, pleated trousers, and black turtlenecks, while many of the outfits saw the models decked up with regal necklaces and earrings.

 

September 20: Day Two 

Day two at the Milan Fashion Week kicked off with Italian luxury fashion house, Fendi showcasing its Spring/Summer '24 collection, led by Creative Director Kim Jones. The collection played with neutral tones, bold cuts and statement accessories. Alberta Ferretti's new Spring/Summer '24 Collection showcased a host of chic silhouettes, vibrant patterns and more.

Our favourite show, however, was by Roberto Cavali, whose tropical themed collection was all things bold, experimental and vivacious. The day ended with Diesel making a strong case for over-the-top denims, funky street style and timeless silhouettes. 

September 19: Day One

 

Designers Francesca Liberatore and Gianluca Alibrando showcased their collections to a packed audience on the first day of the Milan Fashion Week. Their work spelled creativity and innovation. While Liberatore’s collection was the perfect blend of elegance, sustainability, quality and design, Alibrando’s collection left its mark in the audience's mind. Be it floral labyrinths, ribbons, sequins or a lot of shimmer showcased in warm and bright shades, the range featured some elegant textures and the perfect cuts.