A Spectacle of Style and Innovation
Milan Fashion Week has arrived, and the city is ready to dazzle with its renowned blend of tradition and avant-garde design. As the home of some of the world’s most iconic fashion houses, the season kicked off with Kim Jones debuting his much-anticipated Fendi Spring 2025 collection. Taking inspiration from Virginia Woolf’s *Mrs. Dalloway*, Jones imagined the protagonist choosing a new dress, but the collection extended far beyond that, symbolizing the continuous flow of life. Ethereal white skirts paired with relaxed slouchy boots gave off a youthful, carefree vibe, while elegant silk robe dresses and timeless white coats paid homage to past and future generations. It was a celebration of classic, enduring style, perfect for both Mrs. Dalloway and today’s modern woman.
As the week progresses, anticipation grows for the runway debuts of Prada, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta, each bringing their own unique vision for the season. With an extensive lineup, heavyweights like Armani and Versace are also set to command attention, while all eyes are on Adrian Appiolaza’s debut collection for Moschino, which promises to deliver a fresh, bold perspective. Additionally, up-and-coming designers like Del Core, Sunnei, and Avavav will introduce daring designs that are sure to make waves on the fashion scene.
From seasoned veterans to emerging talent, Milan Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable showcase of style and creativity. Below, discover the most remarkable collections from this year’s event.
VERSACE
Donatella Versace described her latest collection as “a joyful moment, just being casual and putting clothes together,” ahead of the show held at Milan’s Sforzesco Castle. While fashion can often aim for intellectual messaging, Versace emphasized the importance of spreading positivity and freedom, especially in a world fractured by conflict. This season, she injected energy into the collection by embracing innovative technologies, such as a 3D-printed gold dress and floral brooches made from recycled bottles and cigarette butts. She also introduced statement shoes with heels shaped like the brand’s iconic perfume bottle.
FENDI
This season, Kim Jones drew inspiration from Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway”, envisioning the character as she selects a new dress. While the novel is known for exploring her thoughts over a single day, this collection reflects a broader theme of life’s continuous flow. The lineup featured a sheer white skirt paired with slouchy boots and a tank top, embodying the quintessential look of a stylish Italian teenager. Alongside these youthful pieces, there were elegant silk robe dresses and luxurious white coats suitable for her mother. Overall, the collection seemed to resonate not only with Mrs. Dalloway but also with the generations that came before and those yet to come.
DOLCE & GABBANA
Dolce & Gabbana’s show opened with models elegantly positioned around a grand staircase reminiscent of the dramatic entrances made by heroines in Golden Age cinema. Each model, from Irina Shayk to Mariacarla Boscono, sported a striking blonde hairstyle that blended elements of Marilyn Monroe and Madonna. Among the attendees was Madonna, donning a face-obscuring black lace veil, adding to the homage.
Titled “Italian Beauty,” the collection fused Old Hollywood glamour with classic Italian aesthetics, heavily influenced by the Material Girl. Vittoria Ceretti kicked off the show in a cone-bra bustier dress, echoing one of Madonna’s iconic ’80s silhouettes. The lineup also featured corset tops paired with pinstriped suiting and trailing suspenders, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
GUCCI
At Milan’s Triennale di Milano, Sabato de Sarno unveiled his womenswear manifesto for Spring 2025 against a vibrant backdrop, with celebrities like Dakota Johnson and Kirsten Dunst in attendance. The collection explored Gucci’s heritage through obsession, showcasing the beloved Gucci Bamboo 1947 bag in its original form with modern updates.
The show featured bamboo accents on mini accessories and highlighted the Horsebit motif across footwear, including platforms and ankle boots. Inspired by the ’60s, De Sarno incorporated architectural coats, A-line skirts, and leather silhouettes that blended sophistication with femininity. The colour palette, featuring Gucci Rosso Ancora and vibrant citrus tones, balanced expressiveness with subtlety. As the collection concluded with Fiordaliso’s “Non-Voglio Mica La Luna,” De Sarno described it as “a precise moment in time,” aiming to revive Gucci’s legacy while reintroducing beloved silhouettes.
PRADA
Prada has solidified its position as the standout brand on the Milan Fashion Week calendar, thanks to its groundbreaking collections that set the standard for future trends and style. This season, it took a bold approach, offering a little bit of everything. Eyelet visors, red leather belt-tops, low-waisted skirts, printed tweed jackets, and iconic shoes – all representing Prada’s ‘greatest hits’ according to the show notes. The true meaning behind a Prada collection is rarely immediately clear; it unfolds gradually, which is part of its allure. However, this particular collection is one of the most polarizing yet.
