At this point you get it. I'm not in Milan, but it doesn't stop me from experiencing their Fashion Week.
Every time Milan Fashion Week comes around, I have this bittersweet feeling. I was supposed to go there for Fashion Week right after the Covid pandemic began, so obviously that never happened. However, thanks to this new digital era, I truly have not missed a MFW moment since.
MFW had many stand out moments, and I wish I could go into depth about every show. However, I won't do that to you, so I've picked my personal top five;
Genny
I did not know much about the brand Genny before this season, but what I did know is that I had a love for sparkles and glamour, and the Genny Fall/Winter '22 Ready to Wear collection had plenty of both. Unfortunately, I could not find too much information on the inspiration for this collection. However, it was so stunning, I just had to talk about it. With all the sequins and rhinestones that made it down the runway, this collection made me want to get dressed up with no real reason. Seriously, I almost got up and traded my leggings and t-shirt for a sequin corset. (Now, try to pretend that I wouldn't do that anyways.) My favorite pairings in the collection were the sequin cropped tops with pantsuits. It looked very chic yet fun and playful at the same time. Also, of course, I loved all the sequin gowns. Especially, this green one pictured above with the cutout detail. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be trying to find an occasion to get this dressed up for!
Photos/ Watch It Here!: Genny, Vogue Runway
Versace
The Versace F/W '22 collection was simply everything, and I mean everything! We're talking power suits, corsets, latex leggings, and plenty pairs of those pumps that all the fashion influencers are wearing. Donatella Versace told Vogue Runway that this is a new era for the brand, Versace 2.0. This new version of the brand is going to focus on what Gen Z values and that's diversity. It was apparent that this was the generation the collection was aiming for with trending pieces such as mini dresses and puffer jackets. Watching the models walk down the runway, I almost felt like the collection was designed for me. (Too bad Versace is a bit out of my price range.) I loved almost every piece, and truly felt like with one of these corset dresses and a pair of platform pumps, I could conquer the world!
Photos and Additional Information: Versace, Vogue Runway
Watch It Here!: Versace, Camera Moda
Bottega Veneta
When I first watched this show, I found myself thinking, "wow, these are some beautiful basics." As it went, and more models strutted down the runway I found myself thinking, "that's so over-the-top, and I am obsessed." This balance of basics and statement pieces is exactly what I think every collection needs. According to Vogue Runway, this F/W RTW collection represents a journey. For his debut collection as the RTW design director, Matthieu Blazy wanted to dress people on to go. Watching it was obvious that there were different people with different destinations in mind. There were pieces for those going to work a nine to five, and pieces for those going out to a party or event. Regardless of the character or occasion in mind, I thought each piece had a stunning silhouette and looked fine crafted. Now, I don't know where I would wear it yet, but I'm dying to get my hands on any of the sequin dresses and a pair of those sequin gloves!
Photos and Additional Information/ Watch It Here!: Bottega Veneta, Vogue Runway
Gucci
In case you didn't already know, we've entered the era of collaboration. For their F/W '22 RTW show Gucci announced their collaboration with Adidas, and, to be honest, those three stripes have never looked so high fashion! This being mentioned, the collection was a mix of sportswear pieces and finely tailored suits. The collection was also mainly gender fluid, and it was nice to see such a major fashion house evolve in this way. While I loved the clothes, what I loved more was the set. Mirrors lined the outside of the runway allowing the strobe lights and camera flashes to reflect and intensify. Lead designer, Alessandro Michele, told Vogue Runway that mirrors are representative of what clothing is for us. Our clothing has the ability to reflect our image in an expansive state. It can be a reflection of who we are and how we feel, and how I feel is that I need the red full length dress in my wardrobe ASAP.
Photos and Additional Information/ Watch It Here!: Gucci, Vogue Runway
Fendi
The Fendi show was just full of things that I love; mesh, leather, corsets, and fabulous bags. Honestly, I found the entire collection to be absolutely stunning. The inspiration for this collection was, apparently, the Fendi women themselves. In fact, Kim Jones pulled inspiration from two beloved collections from Karl Lagerfeld when he was with the brand. The first being the 1986 collection in which Jones took and recolored the print. The second was a collection from 2000 in which Jones wanted to capture lightness. My personal favorite pieces were the corsets. The shape was gorgeous and I could easily imagine styling them to fit both day and night. What stood out the most though, was the tailoring. Every piece seemed tailored to absolute perfection. Truly, watching this show I had no complaints other than the fact that Fendi is out of my price range, and, let's face it, no dupe will even come close to looking this good. (Seriously... Stein, Fashion Nova, and Zara, don't bother even trying.)
Photos and Additional Information/ Watch It Here!: Fendi, Vogue Runway
MFW was the first time this Fashion Month that I felt I could truly get a front row experience from the comfort of my home. Unlike London and New York before them, the shows in Milan were pretty much all available to watch in full. It was obvious that some shows even took their digital audience into consideration when designing the set. For example, the Versace show had models walking down the center of the runway that was completely covered to the audience, so only those watching on video could see the models walk down this covered hallway. Personally, this is the direction I like to see fashion going. While prices of these high end brands may not be accessible, viewing and appreciating their work can be. After all, fashion is art and deserves to be admired.
To experience Milan Fashion Week for yourself:
XOXO,
Kristin
Comments