Milan Fashion Week 2023, a global fashion highlight, showcased innovative trends, blending tradition with creativity. As the Italian fashion capital, Milan attracted designers worldwide, emphasizing sustainability in collections through eco-friendly practices. The runways featured a diverse color palette, from vibrant neons to subtle pastels, promoting inclusivity. Nostalgic references and cultural influences were evident, reflecting a cyclical fashion nature and a globalized world. The event marked a departure from gender norms, with designers embracing gender-fluid designs and inclusive casting, embodying a progressive and open-minded fashion ethos.
Dog Portraits: Antonio Marras
Antonio Marras showcased his Fall/Winter 2023 collection at Milan Fashion Week, drawing inspiration from Nobel Prize-winning writer Grazia Deledda. The collection featured dog portraits as a prominent print motif, capturing the rustic essence of Sardinia and emphasizing the loyalty of the animals. The portraits adorned silk dresses, skirts, and blouses in various styles and colors, incorporating elements like ruffles, lace, and sequins for contrast. Casual dog-print jersey hoodies complemented the more formal pieces, contributing to a diverse blend of fabrics and patterns, including tartan, fur, leather, and brocade.
Shredded Garments: Diesel
Diesel’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection at Milan Fashion Week drew inspiration from sexual protection, featuring shredded denim garments crafted using devoré, laser, and acid wash techniques. The pieces, including jeans, skirts, and jackets, played with transparency and distressed aesthetics. Paired with leather, fur, knitwear, silk, and crystals, the collection showcased Diesel’s iconic logos, chains, studs, and zippers, embodying an edgy style. In a bold move, the runway included a capsule collection of Diesel-branded Durex condom packets and a playful display of 200,000 Diesel-branded condoms, emphasizing the brand’s cheeky and responsible attitude.
Wrap Dresses: Del Core
Del Core’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection at Milan Fashion Week highlighted wrap dresses made of silk, wool, or leather in varied colors and patterns, including floral prints and geometric shapes. Paired with coats, jackets, and accessories, the collection achieved a chic and modern aesthetic. Some examples of wrap dresses from Del Core are:
- A long wrap dress in black silk, with a white floral print and a V-neckline. The dress had long sleeves and a slit at the front, revealing a pair of black leather boots. The dress was accessorized with a black leather belt and a black leather clutch.
- A short wrap dress in red wool, with a black geometric pattern and a collar. The dress had short sleeves and a flared skirt, creating a playful and feminine vibe. The dress was worn with a black leather jacket and a pair of black leather pumps.
- A midi wrap dress in beige leather, with a brown animal print and a lapel. The dress had long sleeves and a fitted waist, creating a sleek and sophisticated silhouette. The dress was complemented by a beige leather coat and a pair of beige leather sandals.
Bold Patterns and Textured Fabrics: Etro and Missoni
Etro and Missoni showcased their Fall/Winter 2023 collections at Milan Fashion Week, each embodying a distinct style.
- Etro: A family-owned brand known for paisley prints and a vibrant aesthetic, featured coats, jackets, dresses, and suits with patchwork, embroidery, and fringe for added contrast. The collection played with various patterns and fabrics, including floral, geometric, plaid, and velvet, creating a dynamic and playful atmosphere.
- Missoni, known for innovative knitwear, unveiled a Fall/Winter 2023 collection at Milan Fashion Week inspired by urban and digital aesthetics. The modern lineup featured sweaters, cardigans, skirts, and pants with sequins, lurex, and mohair, adopting a minimal palette of black, white, yellow, cyan, and magenta. Both Etro and Missoni impressed with collections reflecting unique identities, creative craftsmanship, and adaptability to evolving fashion trends.Missoni, known for innovative knitwear, unveiled a Fall/Winter 2023 collection at Milan Fashion Week inspired by urban and digital aesthetics. The modern lineup featured sweaters, cardigans, skirts, and pants with sequins, lurex, and mohair, adopting a minimal palette of black, white, yellow, cyan, and magenta. Both Etro and Missoni impressed with collections reflecting unique identities, creative craftsmanship, and adaptability to evolving fashion trends.
90s Style Trends: Fendi and Dolce & Gabbana
90s style trends that were showcased by Fendi and Dolce & Gabbana at the Milan Fashion Week 2023. Here are some of the highlights from their collections:
- Fendi, The Italian fashion house presented a collection that was inspired by the 90s rave culture, with neon colors, oversized shapes, and techno prints. The collection featured a mix of sportswear, denim, leather, and fur, with references to the Fendi logo and the iconic Baguette bag. Some of the standout pieces included a neon green puffer jacket, a patchwork denim coat, and a silver sequined dress. The collection also featured accessories such as bucket hats, sunglasses, and sneakers .
- Dolce & Gabbana, The duo behind the brand revisited their signature style of sensual and glamorous dressing, with a nod to the 90s lingerie trend. The collection included corsets, slips, bras, and girdles, paired with tailored coats, jackets, and trousers. The color palette was dominated by black, red, and gold, with touches of lace, embroidery, and crystals. The collection also showcased the brand’s expertise in tailoring, with hourglass silhouettes and curved waistlines. Some of the memorable looks included a red crystal wiggle dress, a gold-leaf parka, and a sheer tulle slip.
Sheer looks: Alberta Ferretti and Tomo Koizumi
Sheer looks are a fashion trend that involves using transparent or semi-transparent fabrics to create a light and airy effect. Ferretti and Tomo Koizumi are two designers who have used sheer looks in their collections for the MFW 2023.
- Alberta Ferretti used sheer fabrics such as chiffon, tulle, and lace to create romantic and feminine dresses, blouses, and skirts, in soft colors such as pink, lavender, and white. Some of the pieces had floral appliqués, ruffles, or embroidery, adding some texture and detail to the look.
- Tomo Koizumi used sheer fabrics such as organza, nylon, and polyester to create voluminous and sculptural dresses, coats, and tops, in bright colors such as yellow, orange, and green. Some of the pieces had ruching, pleating, or fringing, adding some movement and drama to the look.
Playful twist: Bottega Veneta and Gucci
Playful twist is a fashion trend that involves using unexpected or unconventional elements to create a fun and quirky effect. Bottega Veneta and Gucci are two brands that have used playful twists in their collections for the MFW 2023.
- Bottega Veneta used different colors such as purple, turquoise, and red to create vibrant and eye-catching outfits, such as suits, dresses, and coats. Some of the pieces had fringes, feathers, or crystals, adding some texture and sparkle to the look.
- Gucci used different patterns such as checks, stripes, and florals to create eclectic and whimsical outfits, such as jackets, pants, and shirts. Some of the pieces had logos, patches, or buttons, adding some personality and humor to the look.
Dogtooth print: Prada and Versace
Dogtooth print is a fashion trend that involves using a geometric pattern of broken checks, usually in black and white, to create a classic and sophisticated effect. Prada and Versace are two brands that have used dogtooth print in their collections for the MFW 2023.
- Prada used dogtooth print to create chic and elegant outfits, such as skirts, jackets, and dresses. Some of the pieces had leather, fur, or knit, adding some contrast and warmth to the look.
- Versace used dogtooth print to create bold and sexy outfits, such as corsets, bodysuits, and pants. Some of the pieces had gold, lace, or mesh, adding some shine and allure to the look.
Metallic shine: Moschino
Metallic shine is a fashion trend that involves using shiny or reflective fabrics to create a glamorous and futuristic effect. Metallic shine can be used to create different moods, such as festive, edgy, or minimal. Moschino is a brand that has used metallic shine in their collections for the MFW 2023. Moschino used metallic fabrics such as silver, gold, and copper to create festive and fun outfits, such as dresses, jackets, and pants. Some of the pieces had sequins, stars, or bows, adding some sparkle and detail to the look.
Floral motifs: Marni and Valentino
Floral motifs are a fashion trend that involves using flowers or floral patterns to create a romantic and feminine effect. Marni and Valentino are two brands that have used floral motifs in their collections for the MFW 2023.
- Marni used floral motifs such as roses, daisies, and sunflowers to create bohemian and artistic outfits, such as dresses, coats, and scarves. Some of the pieces had patchwork, embroidery, or appliqué, adding some texture and color to the look.
- Valentino used floral motifs such as orchids, lilies, and peonies to create vintage and refined outfits, such as gowns, capes, and blouses. Some of the pieces had lace, silk, or tulle, adding some delicacy and elegance to the look.
Knitwear: Max Mara and Jil Sander
Knitwear is a fashion trend that involves using knitted fabrics or garments to create a cozy and comfortable effect. Max Mara and Jil Sander are two brands that have used knitwear in their collections for the MFW 2023.
- Max Mara used knitwear such as wool, cashmere, and alpaca to create casual and warm outfits, such as sweaters, cardigans, and ponchos. Some of the pieces had stripes, checks, or hoods, adding some pattern and detail to the look.
- Jil Sander used knitwear such as cotton, linen, and silk to create sophisticated and cool outfits, such as dresses, tops, and pants. Some of the pieces had ribbing, draping, or cutouts, adding some shape and style to the look.
Leather: Salvatore Ferragamo and Tod’s
Leather is a fashion trend that involves using leather or leather-like fabrics to create a sleek and edgy effect. Salvatore Ferragamo and Tod’s are two brands that have used leather in their collections for the MFW 2023.
- Salvatore Ferragamo used leather such as black, brown, and burgundy to create classic and refined outfits, such as coats, jackets, and skirts. Some of the pieces had belts, buckles, or buttons, adding some structure and functionality to the look.
- Tod’s used leather such as beige, blue, and green to create modern and chic outfits, such as dresses, shirts, and pants. Some of the pieces had fringes, pockets, or collars, adding some texture and personality to the look.
Plaid: Burberry and Dsquared
Plaid is a fashion trend that involves using a pattern of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in two or more colors to create a preppy and stylish effect. Burberry and Dsquared are two brands that have used plaid in their collections for the MFW 2023.
- Burberry used plaid such as red, black, and beige to create British and elegant outfits, such as trench coats, capes, and kilts. Some of the pieces had fur, leather, or wool, adding some contrast and warmth to the look.
- Dsquared used plaid such as green, blue, and yellow to create grunge and sporty outfits, such as jackets, shirts, and shorts. Some of the pieces had denim, jersey, or nylon, adding some casual and cool to the look.
Puffer jackets: Moncler and Colmar
Puffer jackets are a fashion trend that involves using padded or quilted jackets to create a cozy and trendy effect. Puffer jackets can be used to create different styles, such as urban, outdoor, or futuristic. Moncler is a brand that has used puffer jackets in their collections for the MFW 2023. Moncler used puffer jackets such as white, black, and gray to create urban and futuristic outfits, such as coats, vests, and hoodies. Some of the pieces had logos, zippers, or pockets, adding some detail and functionality to the look.
Satin: Giorgio Armani and Roberto Cavalli
Satin is a fashion trend that involves using a smooth and glossy fabric to create a glamorous and sophisticated effect. Giorgio Armani and Roberto Cavalli are two brands that have used satin in their collections for the MFW 2023.
- Giorgio Armani used satin such as navy, gray, and silver to create minimal and sleek outfits, such as suits, dresses, and shirts. Some of the pieces had lapels, cuffs, or collars, adding some structure and elegance to the look.
- Roberto Cavalli used satin such as gold, purple, and pink to create exotic and sensual outfits, such as gowns, corsets, and skirts. Some of the pieces had animal prints, lace, or crystals, adding some texture and sparkle to the look.