Milan Fashion Week, one of the most anticipated events in the fashion industry, has concluded with a plethora of new trends for the spring 2024 season. From playful playsuits to ladylike ensembles, from fringe with benefits to power shoulders, the Milanese designers showcased their creativity and flair in a variety of styles. Here are some of the highlights of the week.
Fringe With Benefits
Fringe was a prominent feature on many runways, adding movement and sparkle to the outfits. Prada experimented with long, metallic fringe that swished behind the models, while Tom Ford used scalloped patterns of fringe on sleek ’70s dresses. Bottega Veneta, Del Core, Gucci and Roberto Cavalli also embraced this trend, using different materials and textures to create reflective and dynamic effects.
She’s A Lady
Femininity was another key theme of the week, with many designers opting for elegant and refined silhouettes. Kim Jones made his debut for Fendi womenswear with a collection that featured knee-length skirts, short gloves, sweater sets and floral prints. Tod’s, Ferragamo and Versace also followed suit, offering sophisticated and modern interpretations of ladylike dressing.
Froth
Transparency is not a new trend, but this season, the designers took it to a new level with frothy, gauzy fabrics that looked almost ethereal. Prada used silk organza to create fluttering layers of sheer fabric, while Missoni presented a white dress that resembled milk froth. N.21 and Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini also played with sparkle and lightness, creating glamorous and romantic looks.
Power Shoulders
The ’80s are back in fashion, and so are the oversized shoulders that defined the decade. Jil Sander and Gucci showed bomber jackets and tailored pieces with exaggerated shoulders, while Prada and Bottega Veneta opted for utility jackets and pinstriped blazers with strong shapes. The power shoulders added a sense of confidence and attitude to the outfits, as well as balancing out the proportions.
Playsuits
Playsuits are usually associated with casual and fun occasions, but this season, the designers elevated them to a new level of sophistication. Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Max Mara showed rompers that ranged from slinky black tanks with micro shorts to tailored blazers with matching shorts. Prada also showed a variation of this trend, with a belted jacket and shorts combo that looked almost like a suit.
Nude Sheerness
Another way to highlight the skin was by using transparent beige or nude fabrics that created a subtle illusion of nudity. Alberta Ferretti and Prada used this technique to create soft and graceful dresses with Grecian-like draping. Diesel and Blumarine went for a more edgy and fetishistic approach, using plastic-like materials that contrasted with the skin tone. N.21 and Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini added some sparkle to their sheer pieces, making them more glamorous and festive.
Electric Citrus Green
Among the colors that dominated the week, electric citrus green stood out for its vibrancy and freshness. Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, Benetton, Tod’s and Vivetta used this shade to add some energy and zest to their collections. The green color also complemented other hues such as red, black and white, creating striking combinations.
Milan Fashion Week has once again proven its relevance and influence in the fashion world, setting the tone for the upcoming spring 2024 season. The trends that emerged from the week reflect the diversity and creativity of the Milanese designers, as well as their ability to adapt to the changing times.
