As Milan Fashion Week kicks off, discover the standout collections redefining style and setting the tone for the upcoming season. From iconic houses to emerging talent, this week promises a spectacular showcase of fashion innovation.
Milan Fashion Week is upon us, and the Italian city is ready to dazzle with its iconic blend of tradition and innovation. Known for hosting some of the most renowned fashion houses, this season promises no less, starting with Kim Jones unveiling his highly anticipated Fendi spring 2025 collection. Inspired by Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway, Jones imagined the protagonist selecting a new dress, but the collection stretched beyond just one day, focusing instead on the flow of life. Ethereal white skirts paired with slouchy boots captured a youthful, effortless cool, while silk robe dresses and elegant white coats catered to generations past and future. It was a celebration of timeless style, fitting for Mrs. Dalloway and all those who follow in her footsteps.
The runway excitement continues as Prada, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta bring their vision to life later in the week. With an extended schedule, heavyweights like Armani and Versace will also enter the spotlight alongside the much-anticipated Moschino collection by Adrian Appiolaza. Rising stars like Del Core, Sunnei, and Avavav promise to add their bold touches, making this Milan Fashion Week one to remember.
Keep reading to discover the boldest collections.
VERSACE
Donatella Versace described her latest collection as “a joyful moment, just being casual and putting clothes together,” ahead of the show held at Milan’s Sforzesco Castle. While fashion can often aim for intellectual messaging, Versace emphasized the importance of spreading positivity and freedom, especially in a world fractured by conflict. This season, she injected energy into the collection by embracing innovative technologies, such as a 3D-printed gold dress and floral brooches made from recycled bottles and cigarette butts. She also introduced statement shoes with heels shaped like the brand’s iconic perfume bottle.
FENDI
This season, Kim Jones drew inspiration from Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway”, envisioning the character as she selects a new dress. While the novel is known for exploring her thoughts over a single day, this collection reflects a broader theme of life’s continuous flow. The lineup featured a sheer white skirt paired with slouchy boots and a tank top, embodying the quintessential look of a stylish Italian teenager. Alongside these youthful pieces, there were elegant silk robe dresses and luxurious white coats suitable for her mother. Overall, the collection seemed to resonate not only with Mrs. Dalloway but also with the generations that came before and those yet to come.
DOLCE & GABBANA
Dolce & Gabbana’s show opened with models elegantly positioned around a grand staircase reminiscent of the dramatic entrances made by heroines in Golden Age cinema. Each model, from Irina Shayk to Mariacarla Boscono, sported a striking blonde hairstyle that blended elements of Marilyn Monroe and Madonna. Among the attendees was Madonna, donning a face-obscuring black lace veil, adding to the homage.
Titled “Italian Beauty,” the collection fused Old Hollywood glamour with classic Italian aesthetics, heavily influenced by the Material Girl. Vittoria Ceretti kicked off the show in a cone-bra bustier dress, echoing one of Madonna’s iconic ’80s silhouettes. The lineup also featured corset tops paired with pinstriped suiting and trailing suspenders, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
GUCCI
At Milan’s Triennale di Milano, Sabato de Sarno unveiled his womenswear manifesto for Spring 2025 against a vibrant backdrop, with celebrities like Dakota Johnson and Kirsten Dunst in attendance. The collection explored Gucci’s heritage through obsession, showcasing the beloved Gucci Bamboo 1947 bag in its original form with modern updates.
The show featured bamboo accents on mini accessories and highlighted the Horsebit motif across footwear, including platforms and ankle boots. Inspired by the ’60s, De Sarno incorporated architectural coats, A-line skirts, and leather silhouettes that blended sophistication with femininity. The colour palette, featuring Gucci Rosso Ancora and vibrant citrus tones, balanced expressiveness with subtlety. As the collection concluded with Fiordaliso’s “Non-Voglio Mica La Luna,” De Sarno described it as “a precise moment in time,” aiming to revive Gucci’s legacy while reintroducing beloved silhouettes.
PRADA
Prada has solidified its position as the standout brand on the Milan Fashion Week calendar, thanks to its groundbreaking collections that set the standard for future trends and style. This season, it took a bold approach, offering a little bit of everything. Eyelet visors, red leather belt-tops, low-waisted skirts, printed tweed jackets, and iconic shoes – all representing Prada’s ‘greatest hits’ according to the show notes. The true meaning behind a Prada collection is rarely immediately clear; it unfolds gradually, which is part of its allure. However, this particular collection is one of the most polarizing yet.
