I'm not going to lie, when I first saw the shows and events from Milan Fashion Week appear on my Instagram feed, I couldn't help but to feel bitter. What I was looking forward to most this Fashion season was the opportunity to travel abroad, and the first time I was going to be able to experience MFW in person. Seriously, I had a sight-seeing to-do list and all my future Instagram captions picked out. Corona, of course, had other plans. So, after a few days of self-pity, I sucked it up and finally decided to experience MFW, but virtually of course!
One of the great things about Milan this season was it was the return of the in-person show. Designers were able to still put on full fashion shows and virtual presentations with precautions of course. While watching the events I noticed that even outdoor shows had their audience six feet apart and in masks. Producers were able to create beautiful sets and designers were able to present their collections (almost) in the way they were used to. Images of the events were captured and put on the official Milan Fashion week website. Full videos are available to watch on YouTube, so even from the comfort of our homes, we could experience their fashion week.
Fendi
The Fendi show was quite literally a dream. The flowing white linen sheets hanging from the ceiling and cozy white couches set the scene for the pajama and loungewear inspired collection. Of course, Fendi's take on loungewear is not the two piece sweat sets that we have seen all over our Instagram feeds. In fact, their S/S '21 ready-to-wear collection included quite chic and tailored pieces. according to Vogue Runway the collection was designed for the woman who is sweet. Many pieces being designed in embroidered linen help to achieve that sweet aesthetic. Personally, I found that the collection included classic pieces that could be a staple in any wardrobe. Sadly, not any wardrobe staples that I can afford, so I guess I'll just be dreaming about Fendi.
Versace
Versace's S/S '21 ready-to-wear collection was here to make our high fashion mermaid dreams come true. Donatella Versace transported us to the ruins of Atlantis with her sea inspired collection. Versace chose to do a live-streamed show and only allowed staff to view the event in-person to still take precautions during the pandemic. However, the collection itself was joyful and optimistic. Vogue Runway even described it as a mix of "Malibu Barbie" and "the Little Mermaid if Prince Eric bought them a house in Miami". Being raised only twenty minutes from the beach and being obsessed with princess Ariel. I loved this collection. I could even imagine wearing one of the gorgeous high-low skirts (pictured above) at a beach bar in Miami with a frozen margarita in hand.
Giorgio Armani
I have a deep appreciation for chic, timeless clothing pieces which is exactly what Giorgio Armani presented for their S/S '21 collection. Countless blazers and elegant silhouettes walked the square-shaped runway. This timelessness was the exact message that Giorgio Armani wanted to convey. He used a greyscale in pieces and stayed true to the woman he dresses, someone who is looking good and confident. These pieces are what has kept Giorgio Armani as a long-running, iconic fashion house. The brand as a whole prioritizes elegant style over trendy fashion. I loved this show because of the elegance of the pieces and how beautifully the dresses shined on camera. This show was actually televised during the week allowing for a more inclusive audience. I love this because Fashion is for everyone even if we can't all afford luxury.
Prada
With blunt bangs, rotating cameras, and fierce outerwear, Prada's collaboration with Raf Simmons was not one to be missed. For their S/S '21 collection, the designers presented their work in a pre-recorded fashion show with a conversation between the two following. Both Muicinna Prada and Raf Simmons have quite the talent for outerwear pieces, so that was reflected throughout the collection along with long, narrow tailored pieces. After watching I found myself googling yellow coats. The set included a yellow floor and curtains and had cameras along the path the models walked. It allowed focus on the clothes, but also highlighted the importance of technology as the fashion industry pivots. In the conversation following, the designers discussed how Covid affected their collaboration and the fashion industry as a whole. Prada herself said, "fashion is about reacting to reality," and that's exactly what their collection was.
Moschino
As an aspiring fashion show producer, I couldn't talk about MFW and not include Moschino. Under the creative direction of Jeremy Scott, Moschino has put on some of the most elaborate fashion shows, and this season was no different. Moschino also opted for a livestream as opposed to an in-person presentation. Being known for creating a fantasy, Scott wanted the same effect with a virtual show which is what led him to the most glamorous puppet show the world has ever seen. Scott re-created a fashion show that included puppets as models and even an A-list guest list that included a puppet of Anna Wintour herself. I was amazed watching this show the puppets moved just like model would, and even in a smaller form the attention to detail in his 40-piece collection was astonishing. The S/S "21 Ready-to-Wear Collection was inspired by the rich history of haute couture including beautiful silhouettes and extravagant details. All of which was only elevated by the level of whimsy his show created. It's shows like these that inspired me to enter the fashion industry in the first place because what Scott created was more than just a beautiful new collection, it was art.
While I'm bummed that I didn't get to experience MFW in person like I had planned, I'm glad I took the time to watch the shows and presentations from this season. The shows were a reminder of why I love Fashion Month so much. When designers present their collections, they truly create something magical. I know one day I'll make it to Milan, but for I'll kept brainstorming fashion show concepts from my couch.
To experience Milan Fashion Week for yourself: https://www.cameramoda.it/en/milano-moda-donna/
All photos and additional information from: https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows
XOXO,
Kristin
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