MILAN MOMENTS
The frenetic fashion race continues this week in Paris — but before the City of Light shifts into full gear, FN looks at the season’s defining stories so far. Milan’s collections delivered a mix of standout shoes and commercial styles — and solidified many of the trends unfolding across the other cities. Not surprisingly, Prada — one of the week’s most anticipated shows — delivered several memorable looks, from its quirky new heels on Mary Janes to bright sporty sock sandals.
For anyone looking for further proof that sandals will dominate for spring ’19, add No. 21 to the list. The brand showed its spring collection on the first day of Milan Fashion Week, and the entire minimalist offering was outfitted with delicate strappy sandals.
At Fendi, footwear was an exercise in mixed media, with multiple techniques and embellishments done on the pumps and sandals. In all, there were leather cutouts, contrast stitching, trompe-l’oeil, mesh placements, crystals, inverted heels and oversized heel pads on slingbacks.
Off the runway, Attico’s presentation was a standout once again — and the buzzy label continues to raise the bar. This time around, designers Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini made a stylish statement with their unique venue: the Eden Skyhouse Milano, a newly reopened penthouse with expansive views of the city.
The shoes also made quite an impression — metallic platforms were adorned with delicate velvet bows, and sandals with Plexiglas heels were punctuated by tiny crystals. Cowboy boots came in zebra pony skin, gold python and red crocodile printed leather, while pumps were decorated with floral patterns.
While Italian luxury names continued to generate much of the heat in Milan, Fila also garnered excitement last week. The sportswear brand hit the runway for the first time on Sept. 23 and also staged an attention-grabbing exhibition about its storied history.
“Some people still think we’re only a tennis brand. We’re not. We wanted to bring the collection to the next level and meld the past and future together,” said co-creative director Josef Graesel, who recently joined Fila with co-creative director Antonino Ingrasciotta.