Milan Fashion Week has concluded its Fall/Winter 2024 edition, showcasing the latest collections and trends from the world’s top designers and brands. The fashion shows were marked by a sense of joy and strength, as the designers explored how fashion can bring a sense of positivity and resilience to challenging times. In this article, we will highlight some of the key themes and styles that emerged from the Milan Fashion Week FW24, such as the historical influences, the futuristic innovations, and the cozy comforts.
Historical Influences: Learning from the Past
One of the prominent themes that appeared in the Milan Fashion Week FW24 was the historical influences, which drew inspiration from different eras and cultures, and reflected on the lessons that can be learned from the past. For example, Prada’s co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons combined elements of historical dress, such as bows, ruffles, frills, and military references, with modern and futuristic touches, such as technical fabrics, metallic colors, and geometric shapes. They described their collection as “an instinctive attraction to history” and “a dialogue between past and present”.
Another example of historical influences was Dolce & Gabbana’s collection, which celebrated the Italian Renaissance and its artistic and cultural legacy. The collection featured rich and opulent fabrics, such as velvet, brocade, lace, and fur, adorned with intricate embroidery, appliqué, and embellishment. The collection also incorporated references to the Renaissance paintings, sculptures, and architecture, such as the floral motifs, the cherubs, and the domes.
Futuristic Innovations: Embracing the New
Another theme that emerged from the Milan Fashion Week FW24 was the futuristic innovations, which showcased the creativity and the experimentation of the designers and the brands, and embraced the new possibilities and challenges of the digital era. For example, Fendi’s creative director Silvia Venturini Fendi presented a collection that fused indoor and outdoor elements, and used innovative and engineered fabrics, such as feather textures, shredded denim, and suede corduroy. The collection also featured accessories, such as webbed nylon totes, textured swimming caps, and leather wellington boots, that added a functional and playful touch.
Another example of futuristic innovations was Moschino’s collection, which was inspired by the sci-fi movie “The Matrix” and its concept of virtual reality. The collection featured sleek and sharp silhouettes, such as leather trench coats, suits, and dresses, in black, white, and red colors, with contrasting details, such as zippers, buckles, and chains. The collection also played with the idea of illusion and deception, such as the trompe l’oeil prints, the pixelated patterns, and the holographic effects.
Cozy Comforts: Finding the Balance
A third theme that was evident from the Milan Fashion Week FW24 was the cozy comforts, which focused on the warmth and the comfort of the clothes, and found the balance between the style and the practicality. The cozy comforts theme was a reflection of the growing demand and appreciation for the clothes that can suit different occasions and moods, and that can provide a sense of security and well-being. For example, Marni’s creative director Francesco Risso celebrated the label’s 30th anniversary with a collection that was based on his intuition and instinct, rather than on any mood board or image reference. The collection featured cozy and oversized knits, coats, and outerwear, in bright and cheerful colors, such as yellow, pink, and green, that contrasted with the dark and gloomy background.
Another example of cozy comforts was Giorgio Armani’s collection, which was inspired by the idea of “soft power” and the elegance of simplicity. The collection featured soft and fluid fabrics, such as cashmere, silk, and velvet, in neutral and muted colors, such as beige, grey, and navy, that created a relaxed and refined look. The collection also included accessories, such as scarves, hats, and gloves, that added a touch of warmth and sophistication.
