Milan continued the meteorological trend that started in London with bouts of heavy rain interspersed with sunny moments. This erratic weather caused several event delays and even shifted some venue locations, with Gucci’s show being a significant example.
Nevertheless, the rain couldn’t quench the fiery excitement around several debuts, including Sabato de Sarno stepping into Gucci’s creative director role and Tom Ford’s inaugural Milan show under British talent Peter Hawkings. Renowned brands from Prada to Bottega Veneta reminded everyone of Milan’s enduring commitment to timeless elegance, with this season’s highlights being chic knitwear, vibrant red leather, and precisely tailored jackets.
Diesel, however, opted for a unique vision, presenting a superb collection of reimagined garments, turning heads and setting the pace for the most audacious presentation of the season.
The overall ambiance reinforced Milan as a formidable contender to Paris in fashion. With Hollywood at a standstill due to strikes, many film celebrities made the Milanese front rows their temporary stage, with Gucci boasting a stellar lineup including Julia Roberts and Ryan Gosling.
Nostalgia Meets Innovation
Although Anna Wintour once emphasized the forward-looking nature of fashion, Milan’s Spring-Summer 2024 collections took a retrospective journey. Brands like Fendi and Prada evoked past eras, from the sultry flapper days to the edgy 90s, while Moschino celebrated its 40th year by reinterpreting its iconic designs from the 80s and early 90s.
A Fusion of Old and New
While Gucci and Tom Ford were undeniably the headline grabbers, other brands also made waves. Donatella Versace returned to Milan, dazzling with a starry show featuring Kendall Jenner and Claudia Schiffer. Bally and Fiorucci introduced their latest designer talents, whereas The Attico debuted its first-ever runway show to considerable acclaim. Matthieu Blazy’s innovative perspective at Bottega Veneta took attendees on a global journey, showcasing his remarkable versatility.
Theatrics Beyond the Wardrobe
The settings for many presentations became talking points themselves. From Diesel’s grand open-air spectacle to Fendi’s gargantuan accessory sculptures and Missoni’s artistic installations, the atmosphere was as compelling as the attire. Brands like The Attico and Gucci utilized Milan’s stunning architecture as a natural backdrop, and brands like Sunnei took the opportunity to infuse an interactive element into their shows, offering a unique critique of today’s rapid-paced fashion culture.
Beate Karlsson’s high-octane showcase for Avavav, complete with models in exaggerated distress, cleverly commented on modern fashion creation’s relentless speed and pressure, wrapping up a memorable Milan Fashion Week.
The Spring-Summer 2024 edition of Milan Fashion Week encapsulated the ever-evolving spirit of fashion: a harmonious blend of retrospective elegance, contemporary vision, and playful theatrics. As designers redefined style boundaries, attendees and global audiences were reminded that technique isn’t just about clothing—it’s a profound expression of art, culture, and individuality.
