Explore the highlights of Milan Fashion Week’s biggest brands—Prada, Fendi, Tom Ford, Versace, and Bottega Veneta. Get inspired by their audacious designs and discover how these fashion giants influence each other
As we bid ciao to Milan Fashion Week’s grand showcase, one thing becomes abundantly clear: fashion is a transformative force, constantly evolving to reflect the zeitgeist. From Prada’s audacious reimagining of workwear to Fendi’s joyful burst of colors, this season was a reminder that fashion can be both a mirror to society and a catalyst for change. It challenges norms, pushes boundaries, and sometimes, like Fendi, it adds a dash of playfulness to the runway. These are the highlights from this season’s event.
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Prada: A playful revolution
Prada’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection stands as a testament to one thing: to make work fun again. Dynamic duo Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons have been on a mission to redefine what it means to be a modern Prada aficionado. Their goal breathes new life into everyday uniforms and elevates them to the pinnacle of luxury. Nobody wants to work these days? Prada wants you to work—and look good doing it.
The collection oozed with utilitarian motifs, leaving no doubt that the brand was about to redefine the mundane. It’s as if the designers took a step back, examined the very bones of these pieces, and then proceeded to reconstruct them with audacity. Sheer organza creations man the runway, looking like sheer brilliance themselves. As for workwear jackets, they decided to hit the gym, bulking up into oversized silhouettes, proudly flaunting leather collars—an ode to the humble everyday uniform, with a dash of fashion muscle.
Fendi: Colorful commotion revelation
Fendi’s new collection puts the eternal pursuit of fashion excellence on the runway, making us reimagine the house’s branding with a burst of color and playfulness. Fashion sometimes takes itself too seriously, and Kim Jones reminds us that it’s okay to have a little fun while looking utterly chic. The iconic logo made a resounding appearance on multi-colored sets, infusing a modern identity into the collection. Even simple white shirting underwent a transformation, featuring two-sided openings that allowed for versatile styling. It was fashion that transcended the confines of convention, much like Jones himself.
The collection seamlessly combined a sense of heartfelt reminiscence with a forward-looking perspective. What set this collection apart from previous Fendi women’s seasons was like discovering a rainbow in a black-and-white world. Instead of sticking to a humdrum uniform color palette, Jones decided to paint the fashion canvas with a vibrant assortment of shades, as if he had a playful date with a color wheel. The creative director may have just transformed Fendi’s fashion scene from a stately waltz to a vibrant salsa dance. When we’ve gotten used to the muted, Jones shocks us with color, and it works, proving there is a rainbow after the rain.
Tom Ford: Consistency gets an update
Peter Hawkings, the newly appointed creative director at Tom Ford, seems well-prepared to replace the iconic founder himself. With 25 years of experience working alongside Ford, Hawkings shares his codes of glamour, sexiness, elegance, and beauty. Unlike other fashion houses that opt for new directions, Tom Ford aims for consistency and consolidation under Hawkings’ leadership. They seek to bring together women’s and men’s fashion into one cohesive universe, bridging the gap that sometimes existed.
Think of the collection as a gourmet feast, a delectable fusion of Ford’s signature dishes with Hawkings’ culinary innovation. Like a Michelin-starred chef, he placed utmost emphasis on the art of impeccable craftsmanship and tailoring, ensuring each piece was a mouthwatering delight for the fashion connoisseur’s palate. In essence, it was delicious.
Versace: Legendary encore
Versace transported Milan Fashion Week attendees on a time-traveling journey back to the swinging 60s with a touch of pastel Barbiecore. The influence on yesteryear’s fashion and entertainment culture was evident throughout, a nod to the historical mood board of coolness represented within the collection. Versace is connecting with new generations, bridging the gap between the iconic era of Prince and Madonna who embraced the brand, and today’s fashion enthusiasts who appreciate that timeless spirit.
The collection was a masterful fusion of the 60s mod, pop culture nostalgia, and modernity allure. It offered a pastel-hued glimpse with its iconic motifs and nods to legendary supermodels, like the return of Claudia Schiffer. Donatella Versace continues to curate contemporary iterations, making them eternally captivating.
Bottega Veneta: Dawn of reinvention
In his fourth collection, creative director Matthew Blazy wants us to see a new Bottega. According to him, this collection is an ode to the sheer pleasure of adorning oneself, a celebration of the ability to become anyone or anything through the art of clothing. It is an exploration of the vast realms of imagination that fashion can unlock. Did Blazy open the door?
The runway showcased a lively collision of bouncy pom-pom ensembles and commanding statement coats, further embellished with attention-grabbing elements. Look at the unbridled flow of fringe-adorned dresses, the striking presence of knitwear boasting bold patterns, and, true to Bottega Veneta’s style, the renovation of leather, with attention-grabbing pieces all crafted to mimic the fabric. Welcome to the new Bottega, marking the dawn of a new season.
As this season’s dazzling spectacles fade into memory, one can’t help but feel the pulse of transformation in the air. Tom Ford’s delectable fusion of glamour and craftsmanship, Versace’s nostalgic nod to iconic eras, and Bottega Veneta’s celebration of innovation all encourage us to delve into the enigma of our own limitless styles. Milan Fashion Week may have drawn its curtains, but its legacy of inspiration continues to reverberate. These prominent brands not only shape the global fashion landscape, but also engage in a symbiotic evolution, influencing each other.
Photos: BOTTEGA VENETA (via website), PRADA, FENDI, TOM FORD, VERSACE (via Instagram)
Featured Image: MILAN FASHION WEEK (via Instagram)
