The Top Trends from Milan Fashion Week

Fashion — Feb 25

All of the inspiring FW20 looks seen in Italy's fashion capital. Fashion — Feb 25

Milan is known to be the fashion city steeped in tradition and rich history of fine Italian craftsmanship. And while that still exists today at the storied houses, modern perspectives also shine through thanks to fresh creative leads. This season, the intriguing combination of old and new was out in full force as there was no shortage of archive inspiration seamlessly mixed with contemporary ideas and techniques.

The week began with Alessandro Michele’s Fall/Winter 2020 Gucci show, which paid homage to the “ritual” of fashion shows. The chaos and beauty of the backstage area became the set itself, and attendees watched as models were prepped in real-time, unveiling the hard work it takes to produce such an event. The fashion crowd’s interest was officially piqued, and this sense of wonderment continued at the Moncler Genius presentation, where eight designers debuted capsule collections throughout a buzzing warehouse space. 

Gucci
Photo: Miguel Medina/AFP via Getty Images

Beautiful collections complete with crisp yet effortless suiting and luxe leather goods came from Sportmax, Max Mara, Fendi, and Tod's, to name a few. Designer Walter Chiapponi, formally of Gucci, Valentino, and Bottega Veneta showcased his first collection for Tod's as the new creative director (he's the first to lead menswear and womenswear there for several seasons). And speaking of Bottega Veneta, Daniel Lee’s third runway collection for the house had rave reviews and is sure to yield more “it” accessories.

At the end of the week there was very exciting industry news. Miuccia Prada named Raf Simons as her co-creative director ushering in a new era and a mega-partnership for the Prada brand. With that announcement, next September will undoubtedly be highly anticipated but, there is still plenty of great fashion to come this month. Here are the top trends that impressed on the Italian runways. Arrivederci, Milan and bonjour Paris.

Prada
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images

Jil Sander
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images

Bottega Veneta
Photo: Victor Virgile/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Boss
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images

Giorgio Armani
Photo: Getty Images

Fringe Benefits
The ode to the modern-day flapper was seen in Milan by way of fringy details. Prada kicked off the motif as dramatic carwash-like strips swished from hemlines and then full-on fringe cascaded out from underneath tailored blazers. The trend continued with a more minimalistic approach at Jil Sander, on novel coats at Bottega Veneta, and with a traditional art-deco vibe at Giorgio Armani.

Tod's
Photo: Pietro S. D'Aprano/Getty Images
Ports 1961
Photo: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images

All Tied Up
 As the collections masterfully showcased ways to blend feminine and sartorial shapes, the innately elegant neck-tie blouse was a reoccurring piece. Tie details hallmark our own current Olivia Palermo Collection, so transitioning the look into the Fall/Winter 2020 season is certainly achievable. We especially loved the soft, ladylike folded ties at Tod's, the floral bows at Ports 1961, and the bold, saturated hues at Luisa Spagnoli.

Max Mara
Photo: Pietro D'Aprano/Getty Images

Fendi
Photo: Daniele Venturelli/Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images 

Alberta Ferretti
Photo: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images

Sportmax
Photo: Victor Virgile/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Pretty & Poufy
 Last spring, exaggerated sleeves were one of the most adored trends to hit the feeds for the style's empowering and feminine nature. The bigger the better, and the runways have determined that the voluminous look is here to stay for fall. These blouses and jackets are true statement-makers, accentuated with billowing ruffle sleeves, sheer romantic lace, and puffed shoulders that call to mind the '80s, the Renaissance, or Victorian periods.

Jil Sander
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images
Etro
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images
1 Moncler JW Anderson
Photo: Pietro S. D'Aprano/Getty Images

Blanket Dressing
 The idea of embracing comfort was a sharp contrast to all of the executive chic suiting seen throughout the season. Brands like Etro and Jil Sander found ways to evoke the look of a cozy throw, while at Moncler oversized scarves and insulated wraps were presented as creative coat alternatives. Whether wearing wooly pieces as a shawl or as a luxurious cape, heading into FW20 decked out in knits or warm cashmere is a practical way to combat unpredictable weather.

Tod's
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images.

Missoni
Photo: Pietro D'Aprano/Getty Images

Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini
Photo: Pietro D'Aprano/Getty Images

Etro
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images

'70s Groove
 Silhouettes inspired by this decade take influence from a combination of different subcultures and promote freedom of expression. Flared pants and prairie dresses continue to be fashion week mainstays, and in Milan, we saw mixes of bohemian prints rich in autumnal colors like red and rust. Eclectic patterns ruled as did forward-thinking patchwork created with upcycled materials. At Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini disco minidresses, silky metallics, and platform heels were a highlight. Yet all of the collections prove that elements of the past can spark a stylish future.

Credits Hero: Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini Photo: Pietro D'Aprano/Getty Images
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