A big finish
The Autumn/Winter 2018 Milan Fashion Week closed with a bang last week. From urban elegance to feminine modernity, fashion houses celebrated with a show of eclecticism.
FOR Autumn/Winter 2018, fashion houses are turning to the idea of modern beauty for their designs. This includes elements of both classic elegance and everyday practicality.
That said, eclecticism was a key highlight at Milan Fashion Week. It made an appearance on the runways in the form of over-the-top accessorising and quirky styling.
Here is a look at some of the highlights from the recent shows in Milan.
Wonderfully weird
The shock factor was ramped up to a full effect on the Gucci runway. Some models carried replicas of their own heads (yes, you read that right), while others were accessorised with a third eye, or even a baby dragon.
Nevertheless, the designs were sublime – when picked apart. They include elements such as turbans, balaclavas, headscarves, Chinese pyjamas, 1980s suiting, English tweed, Scottish plaid and a whole lot more.
Fluorescent flair
Miuccia Prada unveiled an urban chic collection for Autumn/Winter 2018. Her eponymous label explored the idea of modern femininity, tempered with a little sweetness and plenty of grit.
Models walked with a vibrant skyline as a backdrop, in a high-rise building towering over Milan. The clothes were bright and had a practical feel to them. They incorporated materials like neoprene, as well as padded waterproof fabric.
Feel the love
Dolce & Gabbana’s show was a heartfelt declaration of obsession with the industry. Titled “Fashion Devotion”, it presented looks piled with exuberant accessories in a magpie-like manner.
“Fashion is not work, fashion is devotion,” Domenico Dolce said in a preview before the show. “You live, sleep and eat with fashion, you never stop thinking about it and you love it with all your heart.”
Playful elegance
The Fendi collection denoted the idea of a romantic uniform in a woman’s world. It presented classic silhouettes, coloured with a palette of navy, black, moss green, camel, claret, ivory and blushing pink.
Pleated silk dresses and scalloped blouses were adorned with needlepoint collars and encrusted lace. The Fendi double-F beigebrown logo patterns were deployed over everything from tights to sweatshirts and bags.
Celebrating an identity
Last season saw Versace paying tribute to its late founder Gianni on the 20th anniversary of his death. This time around, the fashion house sought to please its adoring fans.
It was a celebration of the ever-changing Versace spirit on the runway. Or, as pointed out by Donatella Versace, “What I wanted to show with this collection is the different Versace women through the years and today.”