What a strange fashion bubble we editors exist in these days! Rather than jostling for a seat or frantically uploading to Instagram Stories while simultaneously watching a show for new trends, key looks, or, say, Kaia Gerber, we’re being given the chance in this on-pause era to take a step back, look at the collections from afar and see how brands—both big and small—can respond to a tough year in creative captivity. Over in Milan, it looks like some fashion houses have found ways to thrive in the conditions: Creativity, in my opinion, is looking plentiful in this fashion capital.
Perhaps it’s the energy of Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons’s second collection together. A coming-together of great design minds like this was bound to spur change across an industry. Maybe it’s the repositioned priorities we now have when it comes to comfort, shopping and feeling like ourselves via the medium of clothes. If you can’t dress out your heart’s greatest desires from the safety of your own living room, when and where can you? And for that matter, I think we’re all more than ready to take these new, confident looks into the real world.
The urge to get outside and put that hard outfit-building work into action is palpable. London’s designers took a more “ballgown down the pub” approach to autumn/winter 2021, whereas Milan looks to be channeling an eclectic, bohemian dinner-party vibe instead. There’s more homespun craft in Italy’s mood boards than I’ve ever seen—crochet knits, patchworked fabrics and mismatched colours are all present and feeling delightfully thrown-together. It’s a look I’ll definitely be channeling come autumn, if not sooner. Keep scrolling for the four Milan Fashion Week trends I’m already into.
Etro’s natty neon jumpers have been tempered with camel trousers and unexpected paisley prints. The perfect antidote to a gloomy day.
Trust Prada to combine highlighter hues with totally weird-but-brilliant loden greens, sky blues and black.
Bottega Veneta’s girls will be doing neon, knitted matchy-matchy looks for autumn.
It’s another offbeat combination that just works—Sportmax’s neon yellow, burgundy and pea green are very alluring.
If your ensemble doesn’t include at least two different pieces of knitwear, then it simply isn’t fashion enough! This Prada dress-and-roll-neck combination is giving me all the feelings.
The knitted bra looks set to continue its reign well into autumn/winter 2021—here is a very chic version with a long skirt at Fendi.
Bally’s two-piece is a great option for work when offices start to reopen…
Yes to hook-and-eye-fastened crop tops and cardigans together! Thanks for this, Sportmax.
The Italian fashion houses have always been good with logos and monograms, and I love the vintage feel coming through on this Max Mara headscarf.
Fendi’s logo tights are definitely going to be picked up by the influencer set.
Bally’s metalwork logo clasps on shoes and across stacked loafers are going to shoot right to the top of the luxury charts.
Moschino’s patchwork coat is full of charm and character.
Paisley is definitely a print to look out for—here it is spliced together at Etro.
I’d like to go to a Marni soirée very much, especially if these crafty, patchy knitwear pieces are what everyone’s wearing.
We’re here for printed patchwork, too. This pastel treat is from Emilio Pucci.
