It’s not received the same attention as it usually does. But it’s been quite a week in Milan.
At Fashion North, we have summed up some of the most-talked about moments of Milan Fashion Week. From Raf Simon’s debut at Prada to Dolce and Gabbana’s 90s patchwork throwback, we have it covered.
Dolce and Gabbana
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana explored the archives for their spring/summer 2021 collection, titled ‘Patchwork of Sicily’ the duo paid tribute to the multicultural history of patchworking which was the inspiration for their 1993 spring/summer collection.
This season the 90s era of Dolce & Gabbana’s corsets, patchwork and layered chains was bought to the runway once again showing the nostalgia of nineties supermodels. Cindy Crawford’s classic catwalk look featuring a black corset, patchwork skirt was bought back to life for 2021 with a multi-coloured patchwork skirt, simple black corset and accessorised with layered chains and over-the-top earrings.
Prada
It’s the year of brand partnerships and this season Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons joined forces for the highly anticipated debut collection, the unity defining the future of Prada in today’s world.
Mrs Prada’s iconic codes of feminine identities crossed with Simons’ love for outerwear, the collection reflecting the importance of uniform. The combination of daywear with sleepwear was a main feature, the luxe pjs being Mrs Prada’s signature. Perfect for our WFH wardrobes.
A running theme was with the classic polo-neck jumper, styled with grey pleated skirts reflecting Mrs Prada’s iconic styles with Raf’s bold usage of colour. The uniform aesthetic was given a modern twist with polo necks in neon orange and yellow.
Prada once again showed the evolution of logomania which has been a common theme in recent years, the brand’s signature triangular logo has been printed on the chest of a number of jumpers and onto belt fastenings.
Max Mara
Max Mara didn’t fail to showcase weather-proof clothing suitable for the unpredictable spring showers, showing that braving the weather should be made chic.
The trusty trench had a revamp, the signature camel coat also came in refreshing blue hues identifying the colour palette of the season. The cape-coat hybrid was formed with split sleeves and trenches came with cuffs and buckles.
A main feature of the collection was the drawstring waistline establishing a key loungewear theme for the collection, showing again the importance of being comfortable but fashionable in the new WFH landscape.
Fendi
Fendi swapped their plans of showcasing their spring/summer 2021 collection in the beautiful Italian capital, Rome, for the pandemic-safe live stream with only a limited number of guests present.
The show came two weeks after the announcement that Dior Homme artistic director, Kim Jones, would be joining Silvia Venturini Fendi as the womenswear designer making this spring/summer collection her last as the solo creative.
The focus of the show was family, with Fendi posting to their Instagram a series of personal photographs taken at home entitled “La famiglia” showing the family previewing the collection.
The colour palette remained neutral with soft creams, browns, blacks and muted sky blue with the occasional vibrant orange, yellow and pink accents. Similar colours seen previously this season with Burberry who defined the spring/summer colours as bright orange sand blue hues against classic neutral shades.
Etro
Veronica Etro is known for taking a journey around the world for inspiration for her collections, this season with the restriction in travel she chose to invest in the beauty of her own country. An Italian summer was the theme for this year’s collection, transporting us all to the beauty of the Italian coastline of Capri and Positano.
The classic Etro prints drawn upon 90s archives keeping it lively, effortlessly chic further establishing the theme of a glamorous summer vacation. Paying tribute to past collections, patterns were cut into halter bratops with matching skirts showing the uniform of girls living the Mediterranean dream.
Ashley Graham made her post-maternity debut wearing a navy-blue silk gown with a plunging neckline and thick belt clinching her waist perfectly.
Alberta Ferretti
This season Alberta Ferretti created a romantic and feminine collection, imagining the pieces in a post-Covid world worn by a woman wandering a foreign land.
The theme of romance was explored through short chiffon dresses and sheer maxi dresses in beautiful shades of yellow and white with coral detailing perfect for a summers evening. Patterned bralets were paired together with suede mini-skirts and loose fitted trousers, which fitted perfectly with the theme of travel.
The collection featured a lot of embroidery, shirts and cropped. Blouses featured balloon three-quarter sleeves and soft jumpsuits were simple and classic.