The highlights that brought the fashion clique to their feet, from Versace’s tribute finale to Dolce & Gabbana’s homage to youth.
Salvatore Ferragamo, Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi spring summer 2018 showcase
Milan Fashion Week 2018 was filled with surprises – streaked with tributes, references and inspirations that further cemented the DNA of Italian designers and their labels. It was also a very emotionally-charged event, most notably the much-talked about that supermodel reunion at Versace’s show, starring the original supermodels Cindy Crawford, Carla Bruni, Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen and Claudia Schiffer.
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The appearance was part of Donatella’s tribute to her brother Gianni, but it sparked old memories and appreciation of the fashion crowd.
As always, Italy’s vibrant character and loyalty to time-honed expertise and workmanship was inmitable, resulting in clashes of colour, print, creativity, but mostly, practical comfort.
Here are just some of our favourite looks, from the likes of Tod’s, Salvatore Ferragamo, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana and Etro.
Fendi
The show featured a marriage of futurism and feminine notes, to go with the theme of new-proportion triangulations and geometric shapes. Artist Giacomo Balla, who designed the set too, described these lines as a “soft and floating” effect on the body.
Fendi
The artist’s work was also referenced in the floral prints of the collection, inlaid upon flowing dresses of multiple sheer layers – because spring is not complete without an ode to blooms.
Salvatore Ferragamo
A celebration of femaleness was evident in Ferragamo’s collection, with highlights on women’s versatile styles, unique personalities and elegance. Inspired by Hollywood sirens Greta Garbo, Brigette Bardot and Marilyn Monroe, to name a few, there were figure-flattering halterneck dresses, powerful print, and vivid colours.
Salvatore Ferragamo
Ferragamo also celebrated the modern woman in all her empowered glory. Menswear suits inspired sophisticated workwear, in soothing hues and roomy shapes.
Dolce & Gabbana
With all its extravagance, richness and playfulness, Dolce & Gabbana is one show to anticipate and this year, it did not disappoint. There were references to current trends food, hearts and pop culture – a strong communiqué to the young at heart.
Dolce & Gabbana
Trust Dolce & Gabbana to go on a riot of clashing themes without causing a faux pas. Models mixed their flamboyant accessories to heavy-printed ensembles, only to pull off a rebellious-chic attitude.
Versace
Arguable a highlight to many attendees, Versace stunned with models dynamically showcasing powerful themes and messages in Donatella's tribute show to Gianni Versace. A Mediterranean heritage was revived with aquatic elements, in swimwear-inspired ensembles.
Versace
As a nod to Donatella’s biggest source of inspiration, her brother– the show’s epic finale unveiled the 90’s supermodels dressed in shimmering gold gowns with thigh-high slits, a fitting ode to the fashion house’s glorious decade.
Giorgio Armani
Sharp, clean and nonchalant, Giorgio Armani evoked its modern elegant flair with a little youthful approach. Models sported matching pixie hairstyles, and donned laidback, tailored jackets in a medley of graphics, pastels and mismatched print.
Giorgio Armani
Giorgio’s flair for beautiful cuts and shapes was presented in flattering classic dresses, illuminating with sparkles and sequins perfect for starry-eyed evenings.
Tod’s
Tod’s forever muse, the Italian coast, was played out in variations of pastel and earthy colours, with some cheeky slits and casual dress shirts thrown into the mix. Nothing like some patent leather and roomy shapes to channel vacation cool, too.
Tod's
The Italian landscape of soft yellow sunlight, blue seas and sunset gradients stormed the catwalk, many of which came in matching sets or one-piece outfits. Many takes of the classic Tod's Gommino shoes were evident in chunky sandals, skate shoes and silk ribbon sandals.
Bottega Veneta
Creative director Tomas Maier transformed timeless favourites and gave them a new lease of life, splashing on fresco hues with snakeskin patchwork, uniting girly softness with a cool suaveness.
Bottega Veneta
Attitude took form in a variety of jackets, that ranged from a metal grommetting number and a razzle-dazzle, sequined embellished one.
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