Things to Do in Milano
Milano Fashion Week
Experiencing the semi-annual fashion show
Milano has long been one of the premier homes of fashion in the world. Dating back centuries, high-quality textiles and fashion goods have been synonymous with the city and its craftsmen. To this day, Milano and its people continue to be style trendsetters on the international stage. For this reason, Milano Fashion Week is always one of the city’s biggest events. Milano has been a host city of high fashion since 1958, when the show was first started. And some of the industry’s biggest names — Versace, Prada, Armani — call Milano home.
During Fashion Week, thousands of people arrive in Milano to attend events sponsored by the luxury houses. Most of the shows are focused on women’s fashion, but there are some events that also cater to menswear. As the locals note, the streets of Milano literally become the runway throughout the week. Large events are held in public spaces, but for some exclusive shows a ticket or invitation will be required. If you want to partake in the Fashion Week events, you’ll want to plan your visit to Milano well in advance, as tickets and accommodations are usually in short supply.
Organized by the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, Milano Fashion Week is one of the “big four” global fashion events, joining New York, London, and Paris. The event is held twice a year in Milano, with the Autumn show being held in late February and the Spring show being hosted in late September. While the average tourist may look to avoid Milano during these busy weeks, if you find yourself in the city during Fashion Week, joining the experience can be highly rewarding with little cost.
Good to Know
- Milano Fashion Weeks are scheduled to preview the styles of the following season, thus making the Autumn show in February and the Spring show in September.
- The schedule for the exact dates and events of Fashion Week are typically published up to a year in advance, though this varies slightly each year.
- Many public events at Fashion Week are located near major tourist attractions and are free to the public. However, these events will typically be the most crowded, so plan ahead.
- The city of Milano becomes fully focused on fashion events during the two Fashion Weeks each year. You should expect large crowds, higher costs, and altered transportation schedules during these times.
