They say Italians make better lovers. That was true for Milan Fashion Week this season with FW 21 bringing us nothing short of romance, confidence and optimism for the future. Milan took us back with sleek dresses and gowns nostalgic of pre-covid life, big coats with risqué hemlines and a kind reminder that true luxury was never lost.
1. Salvatore Ferragamo
Courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo
Salvatore Ferragamo transported us to a utopian future with the dream of an imaginary sci-fi city. Sleek, technical uniforms both translucent and fluorescent with painted bodies adorned in chainmail and silver trenches. Draped dresses, leather jackets, mohair fringing and motorcycle-esque tailoring - it was hard not to notice the world Salvatore Ferragamo imagined for Milan Fashion Week.
2. Prada
Courtesy of Prada
Prada toyed with polarity and gender fluidity this season, resulting in a perfect marriage between co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons. A collection that resonated luxury but also comfortability, we saw glittering pailletes, faux fur alpine queens, pinstripe two piece suits, colour blocking, bright and eclectic prints and clever layers, trimmed off with the perfect leather accessories.
3. Alberta Ferretti
Courtesy of Alberta Ferretti
Alberta Ferretti brought us reinstated elegance in the form of beautiful shaved wool coats, blanket capes and soft feminine tailoring in the ways of suiting, dresses and classical day wear. A woman envisioned with for the smoky streets of the metropolitan, a new glamour was born.
4. Fendi
Courtesy of Fendi
Kim Jones at Fendi brought us old opulence. A colour palette playing off all the shades of neutral, Fendi returned to dressing the Roman woman in true European decadence with mink furs, slinky form fitting dresses in tan and cocoa, knee high riding boots, python trims, belted jackets and sharp necklines for the closing.
5. Valentino
Courtesy of Valentino
For FW 21 Valentino did what they do best. Romantic and punk in all their gestures we saw suggestive sheers, radically shortened "slashed" hemlines, bare legs and big oversized tailored jackets, cut out knitwear, netted dresses with hints of gold and the unveiling/veiling tease in Valentino lace.
6. Max Mara
Courtesy of Max Mara
Max Mara celebrated the independent woman with utilitarian style luxury. Deep pockets, quilted vests, boxy coats, belt cinched waists and Max Mara camel hair and teddy - Max Mara presents a collection reverent of English heritage seen through an Italian lens.
7. Bally
Courtesy of Bally
Mountaineering and leather took centre stage at Bally for FW 21 exhibiting extreme craftsmanship in patch worked leather, shearling coats, knee high lace up hiking boots and sleek leather dresses. Bally remained minimal but still seductively endearing for their Alpine ready FW 21.
8. Marni
Courtesy of Marni
Marni was tongue in cheek for FW 21 with an eclectic take on romanticism and positivity. Ruffles, heeled trainers, jewel trims, disproportioned proportions and mixed dyes - all ruched, puffed, dyed and knit ready - Marni made its official statement in counter culture.
