Highlights from Milan Fashion Week

Over the weekend I was in Italy for the first time since I studied abroad in Rome in 2011 and it did not disappoint.   A month ago when I booked my trip for Milan Fashion Week I only had two fashion show invites – one Friday night and one Saturday night.  A bit crazy, yes, but I thought I would have plenty of time to explore the city.  However, by the time I landed in Italy Friday morning my calendar was packed with nearly a dozen shows and parties for less than three days in Milan.  Milan Fashion Week was everything I hoped it would be and then some. No, I didn’t go to any of the big shows (Versace, etc) but I did make it to five shows and a presentation over 48 hours and even got a bit of touristing in!  Let’s dive in, shall we? 

Friday morning I flew in to Milan super early and then headed straight to the office to work. At the end of the day I headed to my hotel right by the Duomo to check in, freshen up, switch shoes, and head out. As my first show was at 8:45 I squeezed in a quick dinner before (most restaurants don’t open til 7:30 or 8). Dinner at Dongiò was incredible – I had the burrata and pasta, both of which I highly recommend – and then it was off to my first show!  The Maison Manuele Canu show was held at a phenomenal venue, Piazzale Medaglie D’Oro, which is actually a spa. The entrance was candlelit and after finding a seat alongside set up next to the pool I enjoyed the country music until the models started walking.The collection was quite unique and actually American inspired, I particularly loved the big hats.

I did not have any shows scheduled for Saturday morning I so I opted for a tour of the Duomo di Milano. There are so many options but I chose the nearly three hour tour of both the inside of the cathedral and the roof – the statues up top were my favorite! Then it was another outfit change and off to another show – a six hour presentation from “Dream – Reality”.  Over the six hours there were three blocks of show; children’s fashion studios, beginner designers and emerging brands, and then established brands.  As my schedule got quite busy I was able to attend the first segment, the children’s wear designers and I was able to see five back to back collections from a host of international children’s brands including Nika, Kira Tan, Art elf Moda, and Mogu LoH. 

Then I explored a bit of the Parco Sempione area, including the Sforzesco Castle and Arco della Pace, before getting on the subway for the next event. The Merrige by eLSi Milan Fashion Week show was in perhaps the most beautiful venue I’ve ever been to, the Palazzo Visconti di Modrone. I had a great seat on a plush velvet couch to see the ballerinas who kicked off the event as well as the dozens of beautiful looks.   Thus, show will get its own post coming soon but the established lingerie brand’s newest line was breathtaking – I especially loved all of the tulle, the structured jackets, and the tiered skirts. Take a look at some of my favorite piece sand the great space: 

After that, I only had time for a quick coffee before it was off to a combo presentation called Something à La Mode. The event, described as a Fashion Cocktail and trunk show featured two brands, Sofia Alemani and Voltry. The early evening soirée was a great time with friendly models and jolly visitors (probably thanks to the wine) enjoying the new collections. Sofia’s designs featured sparkles and sequins contrasted by Voltry’s designers which comprised of organic fabrics and natural, neutral color palette. Then I skipped my evening plans in favor of a nice dinner and a bath. As I walked around most of Saturday after 25,000 steps I was more than tired.

Sunday morning I got dressed and packed up my tripod and headed to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. After more than 100 photos on my tripod (it was very difficult with the angle of the building and the amount of passersby to get a good shot) I went to the nearby Louis Vuitton Time Capsule.  This pop-up is essentially a mini museum just opened in Milan featuring some great pieces form the brand’s 150 year history. In case you are in Milan over the next month it is located, in the Piazzetta Reale and is open now to the public until October 20th or read more about it here.

Then it was off to my first “big time” show of the Milan Fashion Week – Laura Biagiotti. I had known from my RSVP I was “”balcony” seating as as that was not a fixed location I arrived early to the historic Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato. It was a good I got there early as it not only allowed me to snag a prime seat on the first balcony (there were three) but also take some photos pre-show. The collection was bright, bouncy, and quite feminine – nearly all of the models walked down with a big bow in their hair! Take a look:

Last up it was back to the gorgeous Palazzo Visconti di Modrone for an Emerging Designer show case.   The event featured half a dozen brands across a range of industries with makeup and skincare from B Selfie, accessories from Fiore and Marcella Cuosta as well as beautiful clothe from Gianluca Alibrando, and Ibraina.  In the last photo below you will actually see the Argentinian designer of Ibraina modeling one of her handmade silk creations! 

Overall, it was a fantastic trip to Milan but I feel like I need a weekend to recover – no time though, because it’s the start of birthday week and I have plans every night til Sunday. Make sure you’re following along on Insta to see what I get up to! 

Which of these Milan Fashion Week shows would you like to see more of?