The Dazzling Madness of Milan Fashion Week
There’s something ironic about calling Milan the most organized city in Italy during fashion week. Chaos is the real star. Models—fresh, familiar, and everywhere—darted across town like chic little ants while influencers and fashion’s elite served looks that could stop traffic (and sometimes did). The vibe? Stressed for no reason. The weather didn’t help; summer ended like it had a vendetta, forcing everyone to layer up in the blink of an eye.
Between shows like Prada, Bottega Veneta, and GCDS, and the legendary Lineapelle leather expo, the city was practically vibrating with energy. Oh, and the parties? Let’s just say Carnale, with its “nude exquisiteness” theme, lived up to the hype. More on that later.
I was in town but didn’t fully dive into the madness this year. I mostly hung out with friends—one of whom works at Gucci. Fun fact: those stunning long trenches on Gucci's runway? Designed by Johanna Costin herself! And speaking of Gucci, despite some lukewarm reviews last season, their latest show effortlessly embraced a jet set vision of the Italian Riviera from the ‘60s and ‘70s, with a hint of ‘90s nostalgia—floral headscarves, oversized sunglasses, and A-line shifts. It wasn’t groundbreaking, but trust me, those floor-sweeping coats will have you reaching for your wallet.
Prada: Viral Fashion, Archive Inspiration
Prada delivered once again, with Raf and Miuccia tapping into the internet, algorithms, and the fast-paced viral nature of today’s fashion landscape. Think bug-eyed sunglasses, topless bucket hats (yes, really), and shoes blooming like flowers. Quirky, futuristic, and unmistakably chic. If you missed it, don’t worry—it’s already trending across social media.
A fascinating tie-in was the sudden appearance of Albert Watson’s rare 1988 Prada photography book at 10 Corso Como, just days after the show. The archival images influenced the collection, blending Prada’s signature minimalism with playful girliness and sensuality—codes the brand has mastered since the beginning. Prada’s intellectual approach to fashion felt perfectly at home at 10 Corso Como, where one floor showcased the work of American photographer Talia Cherit, while another featured the latest Phoebe Philo collection.
Bottega Veneta: A Childhood Dream in Leather
Then there was Bottega Veneta. Matthieu Blazy went back to childhood, a time when dressing up was play, not performance. Oversized tailoring, playful layers, and fringing that looked like something out of a fancy-dress dream. Oh, and don’t get me started on those €10,000 animal-shaped beanbag chairs that the audience sat on, a nostalgic nod to Spielberg’s E.T. You know, just casual luxury. Bottega’s guests also brought the unexpected: I loved seeing TikTok’s demure trendsetter, Jools Lebron, sitting alongside athletes like boxer Imane Khelif.
GCDS: Brat Summer Ends, Demure Winter Begins
And then there was GCDS, bringing Brat to the runway. But while the collection was loud, the real buzz was over at Bottega, where “demure” took center stage—officially signaling the end of brat summer and the beginning of demure winter. The fashion pendulum swings, and boy, does it swing fast.
And, of course, the drama...
Chiara Ferragni caused a stir, though not on the runway. She didn’t attend a single show but made a surprise appearance at a gala. It was her first public outing after the infamous Pandoro scandal (if you know, you know), and while I might not be her biggest fan, the media certainly seemed to be.
Back to the shows. A model at Versace lost a heel mid-strut and carried on like a queen—slay. And let’s give it up for Alex Consani, who’s having the moment this season. Mark my words, you’ll be seeing a lot more of her.
The Parties: Carnale, Where Fashion Went Nude
The after-parties at Milan Fashion Week delivered their signature dose of glamour. Donatella Versace’s intimate soirée at her Milan home and Vogue Italia’s coveted gatherings created an aura of exclusivity that set the tone for the week.
For a more underground vibe, Carnale was the place to be, with its provocative theme of ‘nude exquisiteness’ (interpret that as you will). I brought my decidedly non-fashion boyfriend along, who, much to my surprise, was surprisingly willing to lose the button-up—bouncer’s orders. Once inside, the energy was electric. Designers, photographers, and stylists mingled, danced, and let loose in a way that only Fashion Week seems to inspire.