From Avant-garde London, we are moving to our next stop: the country of art, home of Renaissance and famous artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Italy is a country where art is the way of life and an essential component of everything that surrounds us. The third station on our fashion tour is Italy, or better yet, its fashion capital… Milan! Benvenuti!
Milan has been a host of FW since 1958. Its Fashion Week includes more than 40 shows each season. It’s really a huge number, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise if you know that all major fashion houses that make the world’s fashion scene represent their collections here.
Also, almost all major Italian labels are based in Milan: Gucci, Armani, Missoni, Prada, Versace, Dolce&Gabbana, Moschino, Trussardi, Etro, Miu Miu… Real fashion paradise!
Italians are experts in tailoring, craftsmanship and unusual fabrics.
We all know that Italy is a boot-shaped peninsula. Is it coincidence? Rest assured it is not. Italy is considered a real shoe Mecca and “made in Italy” is synonymous for shoes of high quality and excellent design.
Fashion for Italians is almost a national passion! They are a nation that cherishes outward appearance, so you will never see them having a “bad style” day. They are always put-together, even when they’re just heading to a grocery store. Did you know that even police uniforms are designed by the Italian fashion genius Giorgio Armani? Enough said!
Milan Fashion Week street style is full of colors and patterns. Italians mix these wildly, but always with polished and refined finish. Street style is about mixing high and low, but in Milan, that’s not the case. Milanese love to mix high with higher! When we say that, we mean head-to-toe designer pieces… fresh from the runway!
In Milan, it’s almost a tradition now: show-goers get their total look straight off the runway and sport it immediately after the show. So if you’re not that lucky to have a front row seat, a look on Milan’s streets can be a good enough replacement!
If you think that too many designer clothes and already matched combinations lead to a lack of individuality and creativity, you’re wrong. Milanese have a card up their sleeve! You won’t be disappointed, for sure.
1. Denim
A girl can never have too many pairs of jeans! If you agree with this, you will be very excited to hear that next season it’s all about the jeans. Other than the 70’s inspired denim, there are also models inspired by the 90’s and early 2000s… Denim should be indigo, clean, no tear, no fading.
Patchwork and undone hem are welcome for an extra dose of retro! Oh, and if you still have a button-down denim skirt in your closet, now is the right time to give it a spin.
2. Suede
Suede isn’t the first fabric that comes to mind when we think about spring-summer season, right? But the more we think about it, the more we’re into it. This retro fabric took full force on the runways and streets this season. There are plenty of choices.
If you want to invest in one piece that you’ll wear all season, then you should go for a suede coat, and if you want something for the upcoming warm days then you should go for a dress or an A-line skirt in this luxury fabric.
3. Fringe
Do you want to add some playfulness to your wardrobe? Then the playful fringe trend is for you. Fringe swinging on the edge of your skirt will make you feel like the queen of the dance floor while you’re walking down the street.
4. Knits
This is one more fabric that’s not so spring-like. The ribbed knit set gives the look a comfortable and slouchy feeling. It is perfect for casual days when you can pair it with sneakers for extra comfort, but it can look equally good with heels too, for not so casual occasions.
5. Belts
We got a clear message from show-goers – forget about tiny belts and find yourself an over-sized one, immediately! A good belt is the easiest way to transform anything in your closet. From a pair of high waist jeans, via cocktail dress to an over-sized jacket, you can put it over anything you imagine. It’s a very chic detail that will give you nice waist definition!
6. Matador style
These girls are ready for corrida! Anna dello Russo and Giovanna Battaglia show us that even a strong masculine piece like a matador’s jacket with embellishments can be very feminine and playful at the same time. Paired with lace and high heels, it’s a match made in heaven!
7. Prints
When it comes to colors and mixing prints, you don’t have to look any further, Milan streets will give you all the inspiration you need. Vibrant colors, stripes, big prints, small prints, floral prints… or all mixed at once. Sounds tricky to pull off? Not for the Milanese!
8. Pant suit
An outfit that’s business-like for work and extremely elegant and sexy for night… all in one? Yes, ladies! Whether it’s inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s tuxedo from the 70’s, with wide-leg pants and a statement blazer with broad shoulders or a men’s wear-inspired one, you can’t go wrong. No matter what you choose, the most important thing is that it is perfectly tailored!
9. Bags
When it comes to bags, no one can beat Italian women. So we just have to take a look at the leather goods they carry around! The conclusions are:
- Good things come in twos. Carrying one bag is so old-fashioned! Now you can carry two of your favorite bags at the same time.
- It’s not enough having an expensive branded bag, fashionistas decided to add a personal touch, customizing their bags with Anya Hindmarch’s handbags stickers, furry bag charms and cute, little stuffed animal key chains.
- Don’t take your outfit too seriously… add some humor to it! Show-goers were carrying creative bags like a Lego bag, milk box bag, teddy bear bag, and bags with witty words. Looks like it’s the next level of communication!
10. Mirror, mirror
And the cherry on top of our fashion sundae… sunnies!
How did you like Milan Fashion Week street style? Would you wear these trends? Leave your comments below, and share your opinion!
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