In Milan, the latest spring 2019 shows were one for the books. There were bicycle shorts, bum bags, utility belts, cargo pants and bomber jackets on the biggest catwalks, including Fendi. Fendi was almost unrecognizable with a fresh new adaptation of everything streetwear. Silvia Venturini Fendi balanced the edgy collection with plenty of girly dresses, pretty florals, and their signature furs. Donatella Versace pulled out all the stops with a show full of body-con dresses, right on-trend snakeskin, glossy leathers and supermodel Shalom Harlow who closed the show.
At Prada, Miuccia Prada channeled Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf with models wearing headbands, mini dresses and peacoats. Gucci’s Alessandro Michele also had many muses this season, from Dolly Parton printed on the back of a jacket, to Janis Joplin-inspired hats, and even a Mickey Mouse shaped handbag. Alessandro Dell Acqua’s Nº21 on the other hand featured a modern-day Belle du Jour, with an undercurrent of naughty, complete with feathers and satin. Jeremy Scott went sketchy with scribbles, scissors, and various sewing equipment prints at Moschino. Super model Gigi Hadid closed the show as a bride with a long-as-the-runway, flowing train serenaded by butterflies. At MSGM, colorblocking and head to toe prints never looked so high fashion.
Let’s face it, Max Mara coats never get old and Ian Griffiths knows how to dig into the archives to tweak the most modern silhouettes for today’s world. Missoni focused on what they do best – the prettiest and most lightweight knitwear you can wear no matter what the season. Etro transported us to the beach with swimwear and sultry maxi-dresses destined for the Italian Riviera. While Salvatore Ferragamo’s cork bottom platforms and flip flops/thong sandals had us wanting to skip fall altogether and go straight into spring.
Versace – Power 80s Dressing
Eccentric yet provocative, Donatella fearlessly mixes checks with stripes and florals of every color under the rainbow. The Versace woman is just that fearless. The consistent body-con silhouettes and recurring gold chains motifs and supple leathers drove home the label’s always-anticipated sex on steroids factor, and this season it was all about power.
Fendi – Extra Baggage
Karl Lagerfeld does it again; classic overcoats and skirts are updated with the latest of-the-moment take on PVC trimmed weather proof gear. The collection is about as maxed out is it can get with contrasting leather seams and gold hardware, logo prints and exaggerated number of handbags worn with multiple, smaller belt bags, Topping it all off was the rebirth of Fendi’s “It bag.” the Baguette.
Prada – It’s so Ugly, It’s Pretty
Sharp biking shorts collide with sweet babydoll dresses at Prada this season, lending a fresh perspective on nostalgic 60’s and 70’s cool girl punk looks. It’s both sexy and sweet – the extreme duality of the clothes speak to a multi-faceted generation of millennials that Miuccia Prada hopes to reach this season.
Gucci
Moschino – Sketchy Designs
Jeremy Scott let his imagination run wild this season with sketchy, hand drawn scribbles inspired by his pre-fashion show anxiety to “throw something together.” The result? Hand drawn marker-sketch prints of scribbles, pin cushions, scissors and show-stopping head to print ensembles that integrated all of his sketchy scribbles into each garment. For his finale, a series of “unfinished” dresses with bolts of fabric attached as trains floated down the runway
Nº21 – Dual Personalities
Alessandro Dell Acqua’s focus on modern romanticism with couture inspired silhouettes, featured over the top detailing in the form of ostrich feathers, diamond beading, and dreamy feminine flounces. Chic hues in blush nudes, lime green and red or black patent leather hit the perfect note between modern and edgy. It was simultaneously maximal and minimal.
Salvatore Ferragamo – Laid Back Luxury
Buttery metallic leather and satin in fluid shapes took center stage at Salvatore Ferragamo spring show. The laid-back luxurious classic shirting worn with relaxed trousers, slip dresses, and bomber jackets offers up a modern wardrobe with sexy undertones. Unexpected details include asymmetrical cuts, oversized pockets, and utilitarian hardware.
Max Mara
MSGM – Faded Denim Florals
Massimo Giorgetti dipped into a little bit of every big trend for spring from biking shorts to tie-dye, to Western influenced boots. A crowd favorite from the collection is the iPhone shot of yellow roses printed on light worn- in denim.
Etro – Endless Summer
It’s all about those effortlessly chic, endless summer nights at Etro. The eclectic blend of prints, patterns, woven textures and finishings speak to Etro’s signature Bohemian style. This included, two pro-surfers walking the runway in neoprene swimwear carrying printed boards, leading the brand into a sportier version of the labels classic.
Missoni – Celebrates 65 Years
Angela Missoni Spring 2019 collection was full of nomadic other-worldly Bohemian knits rendered in soft, sun bleached, hazy, pastels reminscent of the beach. The women’s as well as men’s looks were exotic, soft, and ethereal, creating a relaxed, cool effect. Other knits were finished in abstract painterly shapes with artsy vibe that would not look out of place on either side of the Atlantic.
