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
Ones to Watch at Milan Fashion Week Spring 2017
Big changes at a number of established brands are resulting in fresh faces at the design helms and new…
Sara Battaglia to Launch Ready-to-Wear
The designer's first women's wear collection will be unveiled during the upcoming Milan Fashion Week.
Italy’s Fashion Chamber Launches Short Film
The clip "Waiting Room" announces Milan Fashion Week's approach.
Fausto Puglisi Brings a Theater Approach to Milan Fashion Week
The designer will skip the runway to present his spring 2017 women's collection with a new format.
Chinese Label Ricostru to Show at Armani Theater
The Chinese brand is scheduled to present its spring 2017 women's collection on Sept. 26.
Iceberg Taps James Long for Women’s Line
The British designer succeeds Arthur Arbesser in the role.
Photographer Rankin to Stage Open-Air Exhibit During Milan Fashion Week
Rankin's latest work will be on display during Milan Fashion Week beginning September 21.
Giorgio Armani Moves Show to Mid-Fashion Week in September
For the first time in years, the designer will not close Milan Fashion Week, leaving the last day of shows…
Daniele Carlotta Signs Licensing Agreement With Kabi
The collaboration started with the brand's resort 2017 collection.
Damir Doma to Show Men’s and Women’s Together in June
The designer will show the same number of men's and women's outfits.
Andrea Pompilio Exits Canali
An in-house design team is working on the collection to be presented at Milan Fashion Week next June.
Versace Kicks Off Bag Contest
The luxury brand invites participants to take part in the customization of the Palazzo Empire bag.
Ennio and Carlo Capasa Exit Costume National
Japanese investor Sequedge first acquired a stake in the brand from the brothers in 2009.
Piccione.Piccione RTW Fall 2016
Sweet prints infused this girly collection with a touch of whimsy.
Arthur Arbesser RTW Fall 2016
Working from the premise of a uniform, Arthur Arbesser delivered a look infused with oddball vintage…