Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2023
Milan Fashion Week showcased some of the biggest names in fashion, providing new standards of style for the 2023 year. From ready-to-wear runways to bold designs, Fall and Winter 2023 Milan shows exhibited luxe fabric, exciting prints, and signature details of some of the most prominent designers.
Let’s look back on some of the best looks of the women’s runways.
Blumarine
Blumarine opened its runway show with extravagance - a monogrammed “B” lit the stage with fire, setting the scene for the moody and rich styles of the late 90s-inspired ready-to-wear Fall/Winter collection. Metallic gold, brown hues, mesh, and leather adorned models in loosely draped silhouettes. Touches of detail such as shearling trim and oversized buckles gave Blumarine’s runway a refreshing lens while referencing its usual sensual “cool girl” styles.
Designer Nicola Brognano took inspiration from Joan of Arc, using elements of chainmail and metallic fabrics to resemble the medieval aesthetic. Brognano created an incredibly cohesive collection that feels wearable and reflects styles that are popular among younger audiences. Expect large buckles and flowing fabrics to be major details in upcoming fashion.
Bottega Veneta
Bringing a classic twist to chic, elegant designs, Bottega Veneta’s fall/winter 2023 collection included a wide range of looks. Embossed leather, textured fabric, and fringe gave the clothing an elevated luxury feel. The Bottega Veneta runway show had a style for everybody. Styles range from the more androgynous looks of oversized trench coats, feminine floor-length dresses, and even baggy jeans with a simple white tank top and signature weave bag. Bottega Veneta’s collection shows that luxury is sustained in extravagant and simple styles; that it can be achieved in a number of ways through tasteful styling, interesting fabrics, and texture.
Creative director Matthieu Blazy decided to present the collection in a series of 3 shows. Each show celebrates the versatility of Italian style.
Moschino
The Moschino runway show seemed to be split in two parts, the first taking inspiration from Salvador Dali’s The Persistence of Memory, and the later nodding toward traditional pop punk styles. The first half of the show exhibited classic tailored suits in houndstooth print with melting hemlines, buttons, and accessories. Black and white patterns, bright florals, pops of red and electric purple, and fishnet stockings ring through the entire collection as models are adorned with spikey hair toppers. Moschino included details of jeweled embellishments, spikes, and lace, toying with the boundaries of punk and femininity.
Etro
The Etro runway displayed a number of mixed prints across a warm color palette. Etro’s signature paisley, polka dots, tartan, tweed, and soft florals decorated floor-length dresses, flowing skirts, and slouching overcoats. Etro created a collection of cozy looks, exploring comfort while mixing knitwear texture and color. Accessory styling also centered the collection, from wrapped blankets to heart motif gold jewelry. The loose silhouettes paired with cozy, slouchy knits and chunky jewelry created a beautifully effortless ready-to-wear collection.
Prada
Prada showcased looks carrying simplicity and elegance. The uniform-esque tailoring gave an interesting edge to ready-to-wear styles. Large pockets and utility-style stitching took direct inspiration from workwear, military attire, and nurse’s uniforms. Delicate flower appliques, tailored jackets, and sleek trousers gave the collection a signature feel. Prada designers decided to display a simplified look into everyday occasion wear, highlighting styles from the workplace to give importance to clothing’s functionality and impact.
As many fashion houses took great risks in displaying their unique designs, Prada used their influence to explore different outlooks of beauty. Prada’s signature sophistication enhanced the collection’s message.
View our picks below.
Blumarine pairs delicate, mesh fabrics with a statement ruffle to create a playful winter look that will carry into spring.
Layering is a great way to wear lightweight, flowy fabrics in the winter. This look pairs soft florals with layers of light fabrics, creating a young and fresh winter look.
Moschino’s pop-punk inspiration combines edgy details with jeweled embellishments. Jewels can add color and interest to a moody monochrome outfit.
Florals definitely stand out in the winter but styled alongside knitwear, they can create a playful and cozy look. This Etro hooded knit brings a causal vibe to a formal dress.
Simplicity can create an incredibly elegant and flattering look. This mini skirt and oversized blazer combo utilizes basics in your closet, making it easy and effortless to throw on.
An elevated leather jacket can be just what your wardrobe is missing. The MM6 Maison Margiela runway was inspired by the classics, hoping to bring new perspectives to the typical representations of clothing. Details, like fur trim and bows, create a soft feel to the classic leather jacket.
A delicate, lace slip can be dressed up or down, for any occasion. Slips provide versatility and can be found in vintage stores or on ready-to-wear runways. No21 designer Alessandro Dell’Acqua hoped to create a disheveled elegance in his runway looks. This slip uses mesh fabric to deconstruct a vintage-inspired garment.
Ferragamo uses bold statement colors in many of their designs. This vibrant red bottomless look is sure to make an impact.
Sheer fabrics continue to appear in layered winter outfits. Missoni uses their signature chevron print over a rosette bodysuit, mixing the two patterns seamlessly.
To hold and create shape over baggy silhouettes, belts can complete an outfit. Large buckles and matching leather add a huge amount of detail to simple outfits.
The Giorgio Armani Milan runway took heavy inspiration from Italian vintage classics. Fur coats continue to remain a timeless piece for fall and winter styles. Pairing heavy fur with silk trousers provides for a relaxed winter ensemble.
Sunnei’s vibrant collection displayed rainbow hues and funky patterns as models crowd surfed over the audience. Taking inspiration from an exciting runway collection, brightening winter hues with colorful patterns can enhance days filled with cold and gloomy weather.
Designer Fausto Puglisi inspired his collection from the classic styles of the late Roberto Cavalli. Fur jackets, loose fabrics, and soft glam highlighted his collection.
Edited by Kieryn Alexander