If there are two things Italians know how to do best, it is fashion and carbs. Personally, I can't think of a more steller combination to be known for...
Twice a year we travel, psychically or virtually, to one of the most iconic fashion lands, Milan. The home to Prada, Bottega Veneta, Valentino, and so many more big name fashion houses. The city breathes fashion. Despite the restrictions, the SS21 shows were no exception. Even after being on the world's stage for their fight of the pandemic back this year, the brands of Milan showcased all they can do and more
Below were some of my personal favorites along with highlights from Italy's biggest players in fashion:
The Best of MFW SS21
Fendi
Simplistic and traditional are two ways to describe Fendi's SS21 show. For Silvia Venturini Fendi's last womenswear show she took traditional colors and fabrics of Italy and brought them to life on the runway. The details of this show were not to be missed, from knitted socks and ankle boots to dainty handbags with delicate overlays of lace. Signature accessories like the Peekaboo and Baguette were done in new ways. The combination of modern fashion came together with tradition in one of my favorite accessories featured in Look 56, a Fendi baguette made from tomobolo aquilano lace.
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Favorite Looks: Look 14, Look 20, Look 34
Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini
A collection that is truly a representation of spring, Serafini's SS21 looks featured gardening gloves and all. The show taking place outside added to the overall theme of airiness (literally). The prints of gingham and different flowers brought upon feelings of nostalgia of past spring and summer days and helped inspire brightness of the mind. If this show alone is telling of what is ahead, the bucket hat is here to stay. We're here for it since if 2020 taught us anything, it is that a little more time outside does wonders and Serafini will have us dressed for it rain or shine.
Favorite Looks: Look 2, Look 13, Look 15, Look 34, Look 43
Prada
New and familiar, the common theme of Prada SS21 via the clothes and their creators. This show was the debut of Raf Simmon's co-collaboration with Miuccia Prada. The well recognized Prada plate label was prevalent throughout the show. Uniform style outfits were some the first we see walk down the technology prevalent runway. Appropriate for the brand and also reflective of the world's new perspective on dress after the height of pandemic months. Of course, how can you ignore the pop of color in every piece, more often than not, coming from the shoes. Prada in her interview mentions the focus on simplicity and sustainability, as well as emphasizing that the purpose of clothing is for it to be useful. When going back and looking at the show again we can see all of these points very clear. A focus we can all resonate with during this time.
Favorite Looks: Look 5, Look 13, Look 15, Look 27
Marni
Francesco Risso took his pieces and brought them to a new light for SS21 by having the models be his friends from around the world. A beautiful take of showing pieces on the ones who wear them and having the world be the stage. Bringing clothes to their true reality while being filmed by the people closest in their circles. The voluminous skirts and bold prints stood out in the backdrops of the real world but expressed the individuality of each person as well as each work.
Favorite Looks: Look 8, Look 16, Look 24, Look 35
Creativity, tradition, and connection to others were prevalent themes throughout Milan fashion week. Themes that tie in perfectly with the reality we live in. If there is one takeaway so far from SS21 it is that we truly are more connected with each other emotionally as a world than we have ever been in our generation.
Head to vogue.com to see more looks from my favorite collections from this season!
