Days 3 and 4 of Milan Fashion Week were a sight to behold, featuring collections from some of Italy’s top fashion houses. From the flamboyant designs of Gucci to the classic styles of Armani, here’s a lowdown on the highlights.
Read on for all the highlights from Day 3 and 4 of Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024
Gucci
View this post on Instagram
Gucci, under the creative direction of Sabato De Sarno, stole the spotlight with its globally-inspired collection. In the run-up to Sabato De Sarno’s first Gucci show, you couldn’t miss the banners in deep oxblood with the word “Ancora” everywhere, meaning “again” or “still” in Italian. Sabato De Sarno’s journey from working behind the scenes in fashion to presenting his very first show as the creative director of Gucci marked an extraordinary moment in his career. His mission was clear: “I want people to fall in love with Gucci again.” The show began with a reinterpretation of Gucci classics: the Jackie bag, the Horsebit loafer, the GG belt, and the men’s overcoat, each subtly transformed under De Sarno’s generational touch. The loafers were given a platform twist reminiscent of Clueless, and the Jackie bag appeared in De Sarno’s signature red, the “Rosso Ancora,” paying homage to Guccio Gucci’s past as a bellboy at The Savoy. This revival of Gucci’s heritage pieces exuded a fresh vibe for the brand. As De Sarno explained, the focus was on materials, shape, and silhouette, aiming to establish a novel aesthetic for Gucci. De Sarno also unveiled a Gucci art book spotlighting a fresh wave of artists. Just as his show featured largely unknown models, this art book symbolized his commitment to sharing the spotlight he enjoys at the iconic brand with other creative talents. It marked the inception of something entirely new.
Versace
View this post on Instagram
Versace, on the other hand, continued to pay homage to the ’90s, a decade that played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s identity. The collection prominently featured a sorbet-colored palette, a deliberate choice that Donatella Versace explained as an embodiment of a powerful yet sweet femininity. Among the eye-catching pieces were cotton tweed suits and chainmail dresses adorned with her brother Gianni’s iconic chequerboard motif from his spring/summer 1982 collection. The collection, in essence, represented a shared wardrobe that resonated with the contemporary era. It mirrored the recent fashion trends, particularly the Barbiecore style embraced by the younger generations, characterized by bubblegum-chewing aesthetics. The chequerboard pattern ruled the runway, asserting its dominance throughout the collection. Additionally, the show introduced a fresh lineup of brand-new handbags. In a spectacular finale, Claudia Schiffer brought the Versace show to a close.
Dolce & Gabbana
View this post on Instagram
The Dolce & Gabbana show, titled “Women,” paid a heartfelt tribute to women of all ages and body types, celebrating diversity in its spring/summer 2024 collection. They brand drew inspiration from its dedicated female clientele, which included both emerging talents and seasoned models like Naomi Campbell, Ashley Graham, Irina Shayk, and Mariacarla Boscono. The collection was influenced by the ’90s, building on previous explorations of the era’s archives. Dolce and Gabbana aimed to capture the timeless elegance of well-dressed Italian women, emphasizing personal style over passing fashion trends and highlighting Italy’s exceptional craftsmanship. Naomi Campbell, the catwalk queen herself, closed the show with a memorable moment.
Giorgio Armani
View this post on Instagram
The Giorgio Armani show drew inspiration from the serene ebb and flow of ocean waves and the captivating beauty of the sea, adorned with its enchanting hues of blue and green. The runway paid tribute to the sea’s shimmering embrace when gently kissed by the sun’s rays. This artistic direction aligned seamlessly with the designer’s well-known passion for the maritime lifestyle, highlighted by his recent hosting of a grand reception aboard his cherished yacht during the Venice Film Festival.
Bottega Veneta
@voguearabia South America, South-East Asia, Russia, France, and Sicily — #BottegaVeneta‘s latest show brought together the whole world on one runway. Watch now! #TikTokFashion أمريكا الجنوبية، وجنوب شرق آسيا، وروسيا، وفرنسا، وصقلية – جمع أحدث عرض من #بوتيغا_ڤينيتا العالم بأسره على منصة واحدة. شاهدي الآن! #تيك_توك_موضة ♬ Let’s Go (Rnbstylerz Remix) – AREES
Bottega Veneta’s show was a world of its own, quite literally. The floor was painted like an abstract map of the world adding a sprinkle of wanderlust and adventure. Matthieu Blazy’s collection emphasized continuity, with the first model carrying the first look from his previous collection. He drew inspiration from diverse global dress codes, merging elements from South America, South-East Asia, Russia, France, and Sicily into an abstract, cross-cultural proposition for fashion, blending holiday wear with tribal influences and urban fashion. The collection featured abstract contrasts between body-conscious dresses and rompers and voluminous coats, all showcasing the house’s intricate craftsmanship. The designs reflected the idea of travelers exposing themselves to the world, with capes offering protection and abstract bathing suits representing exposure to the surroundings.
Tod’s
View this post on Instagram
At the iconic La Scala theater, Tod’s opened a phenomenal show with a touch of theatricality to the occasion. However, the brand’s collection was far from dramatic; instead, it embraced a macro trend seen throughout Milan’s fashion presentations – a blend of practicality and elegance.The runway showcased versatile pieces such as comfortable knits, summer suits, flowing trench coats, and understated shirts thoughtfully paired with relaxed trousers. Accessories played a pivotal role in the collection, with the spotlight firmly fixed on belt bags. These functional yet stylish bags featured multiple compartments and a clever hook for hanging leather gloves, catering to the modern consumer’s desire for both form and function.
