Milan Fashion Week
Milan Fashion Week is one of the "Big Four" fashion weeks alongside New York, London and Paris Fashion Weeks. Spring collections are historically shown in September, while fall collections are historically shown in February. Milan falls as a the third major fashion week during Fashion Month, following New York and London, and before Paris. The main venue for Milan Fashion Week is the Milan Fashion Hub, though many designers show off-site.
In 1958, the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italia (National Chamber of Italian Fashion) was formed, with a mission to promote Italian design. Italian brands began to rise in prominence because they were more affordable than their Parisian counterparts.
At the time, many of Italy's major cities were in competition with each other for who would become Italy's fashion capital. Milan began to edge out some of its competitors, like Rome and Florence, thanks to strong links to manufacturing and the growth in ready-to-wear. In the '70s and '80s, the success of Milan-based designers, including Giorgio Armani and Gianni Versace, helped to solidify Milan's place as a fashion capital.
Versace, in particular, drew attention to Milan during fashion week, casting supermodels such as Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Cindy Crawford in his shows.
Today, many major brands show collections at Milan Fashion Week, including Gucci, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Missoni, Ferragamo and Etro, as well as Giorgio Armani and Versace.
Historic moments at Milan Fashion Week have included Tom Ford's 1994 debut show for Gucci, which began a revival for the then-stagnant brand. There was also Miuccia Prada's 1996 show featuring dull greens, browns and purples, contributing to the ugly-chic era of '90s fashion. More recently, at Versace's spring 2018 runway show, Donatella Versace brought back the '90s with the era's supermodels, including Crawford, Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Carla Bruni and Helena Christensen, who walked in the show.
Milan Fashion Week
W Magazine Fetes All-Female Issue in Milan
The title guest-curator Cate Blanchett also attended the party.
Max Mara Group Brands Present Capsules at MFW
Weekend Max Mara teamed with Anthony Baratta and Marina Rinaldi once again with Fausto Puglisi.
Fay RTW Spring 2019
Arthur Arbesser drew on the Isle of Sylt in the North Sea to come up with riffs on classic outerwear.
Brognano RTW Spring 2019
Emerging talent Nicola Brognano, who used to work with Giambattista Valli on ready-to-wear and…
Bianca Balti RTW Spring 2019
This Italian model and actress-turned-entrepreneur has finally begun to realize a long-held dream: snazzy…
Fila RTW Spring 2019
Sporty references and a cool, urban attitude met in this coed collection.
Laura Biagiotti RTW Spring 2019
The collection was a colorful ode to the Futuristic art movement.
Agnona RTW Spring 2019
Creative director Simon Holloway's textured looks in saturated hues were the definition of aspirational.
Giorgio Armani RTW Spring 2019
Giorgio Armani mused on "The Shape of Color" and delivered a lovely, soothing collection.
Bulgari To Launch New Jewelry Pillar as it Aims for Number One Slot
The new collection is designed to position the brand strongly on the diamond segment, chief executive officer…
GCDS RTW Spring 2019
There were some heavy concepts underpinning this punchy, neon-bright collection.
I’m Isola Marras RTW Spring 2019
The collection also featured a partnership with Converse.
Elisabetta Franchi RTW Spring 2019
The designer unveiled a hyper-feminine lineup infused with a glamorous appeal.
Marni RTW Spring 2019
Francesco Risso's delightful daffiness translated into a collection for stylish, arty wackadoos.
RtA RTW Spring 2019
Bright colors injected a new, summery twist into the brand's urban, dark aesthetic.