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Donatella Versace, Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Helena Christensen on the catwalk at Versace Spring 2028 show
Donatella Versace, Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Helena Christensen on the catwalk at Versace Spring 2028 show Davide Maestri/WWD

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

Maryling Spring 2018

Ellsworth Kelly, Jean Degottex and Lucio Fontana's graphic artwork informed Maryling spring collection.  

Gisele Bündchen to Receive a Green Carpet Fashion Award

The model and activist will be the first recipient of the Eco Laureate award in partnership with Vogue Italia…

Dapper Dan Attends Gucci’s Spring 2018 Show

He was flanked by the likes of Charlotte Casiraghi and A$AP Rocky.

Alberta Ferretti to Debut Capsule for La Rinascente Shops-in-Shop

The lineup includes four crewneck styles featuring a handwritten slogan which pays homage to Milan.

Angela Missoni to Be Honored at amfAR Milan Gala Event

Missoni will receive the prize on Sept. 21.

Exclusive: Vogue Italia Taps Riccardo Tisci as Creative Director of MFW Event

To be held on Sept. 22, the event will celebrate Vogue Italia's September issue and Italy, inspired by Dante…

Italy’s Fashion Industry Expects 2.3% Sales Gain in 2017

Asia and Russia are driving exports.

Italian Brands Auction Off Tickets to Their Fashion Shows for Charity

Versace, Giorgio Armani and Salvatore Ferragamo are among the labels partnering with Charity Stars web site…

Miroglio Group Turns 70

With its 11 fashion brands and 1,188 stores, the Italian fashion and textile group is investing in the revamp…

Milano XL Project to Celebrate Italian Know-How

Comprising seven installations, the project will run Sept. 16-26 during Milan Fashion Week, supported by the…

Fendi Men’s Spring 2018

Celebrating corporate escapism, the superfun collection proposed a new, open-minded approach to business…

Palm Angels Men’s Spring 2018

Francesco Ragazzi showed the dark side of Californian surf culture, which inspired his cool collection.

Liam Payne Attends Giorgio Armani Show for the First Time

The One Direction musician is going on tour this summer.

Ermanno Scervino Men’s Spring 2018

Men are more free today, contended the Tuscany-based designer.

GCDS Men’s Spring 2018

Fishing industry workwear served as the inspiration for the line's fun streetwear basics.