Milan Fashion Week Fall 2023 Recap
Here’s what happened in Milan during Fall Fashion week 2023 with Italy’s top designers and exciting new innovations in fashion.
Day one of fashion week kicked off on September 29th with shows from Francesca Liberatore and Gianluca Alibrando showcasing their eye-catching new pieces. A perfect blend of sustainability, elegance, quality and design memorized the audience and presented the ongoing theme for the rest of the weeks shows. Designs from Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Prada presented similar messages that “Beauty is everywhere”.
‘There is the notion in fashion that only glamour is important, I hate that, I have always fought against that,’ -Miuccia Prada
She explains how beauty can be found in many designs rather than just high end fashion luxury. Garments used in the everyday world such as uniforms showed up in many different designs throughout the week showcasing the relationship between luxury and everyday life. The emerging talent during Milan Fashion Week did not disappoint as we saw debut collections from designers such as Claudia Bertolero, Samir Kerzabi, and Aida Musinovic. Feminine themes of sensuality and gentle strength prevailed through elegant fabrics and extravagant textures. For more on Milan Fashion Week Fall 2023 reports click here.
by: Alura Lane
Fashion in Milan Through Time
A Short History of Milanese Fashion
By the turn of the 19th century, Milan is already thriving as an economic hub. Their fashion becomes known for its high quality and care. In the mid 1800’s, the first Italian department store is opened in Milan, revolutionising retail.
For the next hundred years, the Milanese reputation as quality tailors and designers grows, before hosting their first fashion week in 1958.
By the 1970’s, Milan is known as a hub for high-quality but is, crucially, cheaper than Florence and Paris. In 1975, Giorgio Armani releases his first collection, sparking greatness. Just three years later, Versace opens its first boutique.
In 2009, this growth is fully recognised, with Milan officially named fashion capital of the world. For more, view here
by: Simon Jolles
Sustainable Fashion in Milan: A Hidden Thrift Gem Students Love
In the heart of the fashion capital of the world, a sustainable fashion revolution is thriving among students. Thrift shopping has become mainstream, but it is more than a fashion trend. Young people are making a statement by embracing a more unique style while supporting sustainability efforts.
Students are leading the change by frequenting hidden thrift gems scattered across the city. One such treasure is Thrift Shop Milano, located at Via Privata del Don. The shop is centered around a y2k aesthetic, creating a warm atmosphere for thrift lovers.
This hidden gem has gained popularity on TikTok and Instagram, attracting both young visitors in Milan and locals in search of unique pre-loved fashion and accessories. With regularly updated stock and a commitment to accepting donations, this shop is at the forefront of Milan’s sustainable style movement.
by: Parisa Burton
Perceived Versus Reality: What Is Milanese Fashion
Milan is known as one of the fashion capitals of the world, and the local fashion scene is often characterized by sophistication, elegance, and a keen sense of style. Locals in Milan tend to embrace classic and timeless pieces, with an emphasis on quality and tailoring for each article of clothing. The most popular and common style has to be business casual. An example of this being a peacoat with a turtle neck and plaid pants, a a typical outfit easily seen throughout the city. While you might think this all you’ll see, this is far from the truth. In Milan people often wear a mix of different styles. In a crowd of people you’ll see those in business casual, models in their modern high fashion, casual jean and polo combos, nike techs and even those with seemingly mismatched outfits. While some may choose to embrace a more polished and fashionable look, many opt for comfort and practicality. Milan, despite the formal stereotype, like any other city, sees a variety of styles among its residents.
by: Seth Wanamaker
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele: History Meets Fashion
Right next to Milan’s most popular tourist attraction, The Duomo, is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Home to high-end fashion and jewelry, as well as trendy cafes and restaurants, bookshops, and luxury hotels, the Galleria is also a beautiful architectural feat that attracts visitors from all around the world.
This gallery is Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery, and was named after the first King of Italy, making it an important historical landmark, pairing with modernity. It was built in the 1800s, which is reflected in its glass and iron architecture. This classic and beautiful appearance, as well as the art depicted around the gallery, adds to its glamor.
During fashion week, plenty of models can be seen strutting the Piazza del Duomo, where the Galleria is located. And this is for good reason; the Galleria is the largest fashion center in Milan, and home to some of the most famous brands in the world. Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Dior, Tiffany, etc all have stores in the Galleria. In the Galleria, you will see visitors and employees keeping it classy, with professional clothes that you could wear to work, to elegance even in street wear. Being put together is a must, and most Milanese in the Galleria prefer to follow the trends rather than break them.
by: Mia Altamuro
