MFW: NEVER A THIRD WHEEL
As fashionistas have jet-set off to Paris - the final mile of the season, we round up the trends we spied on the runway during Milan Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2017/18. There were shining moments that made the headlines, such as Gucci’s opening show, Missoni’s political finale of pussy hats and Versace’s bold, all-caps slogans for equality. While the dust is still settling from fashion’s migration to the city of love, we give you our top highlights from MFW.
Headpiece Galore
Italy never fails to impress with extraordinary headpieces that straddle the line between brilliance and madness (it is a little hard to see where you’re walking with a ton of fringe in your face). Our favourite has to be the head to toe chainmail mesh seen on Prada. Way to armour up girl!
Colour
While it was mostly a somber and neutral color palette (plenty of whites, navys, blacks and khakis) that reigned on the runway, designers added a pop of color to liven things up. Traffic-stopping red was the power color, with mostly solid, structured fabrics to portray the female fighting spirit. Max Mara’s use of fur and velvet softened the color for a more festive appeal.
On a more optimistic note, punchy and positive yellows were a common thread, balancing out the energies on the runway. Antonio Marras’ ruched dress and matching turban shows us how effortlessly we can get away with the attention-grabbing color.
Ombre also made a special appearance in staple pieces like coats and suits. Stiff materials aside, Prada gave a flirty interpretation of the flapper dress with pink ombre feathers.
Patterns
One major trend we see is print on print. Clashing prints are the thing that seems to be here to stay, and the more chaotic the better. Checks were a popular choice, as well, from bright neon eye-catchers to monochrome matches. Layering a check dress over a contrasting shirt was just pure genius.
Leopard prints were another runway staple this season, most commonly (spotted) in the form of luxurious furs and pants. The silver leopard appeared as a cooler rendition of the trend, channeling ice into the Blumarine collection.
Two-Face is Back
Instagrammers rejoice! The chore of dragging multiple sets of clothing to shoots will soon be over. Asymmetry has saved the day by mashing two looks into one. Changing your outfit is as easy as turning left or right. Jokes aside, such an expression of conflict and the attempt to reconcile two different sides into a somewhat harmonious look reflected fashion’s take on the divisiveness in society today.
Puffer and Moto Revolution
In preparation for the cold weather ahead, puffer jackets and moto jackets have been updated with an all new look. From neon colors to exotic prints to fur accents and other embellishments, these looks from Prada, Etro and Versace tell us that winter is no excuse for looking drab in our bundles.
“It” Bags
In terms of accessories, we appreciate the candid humor shown in MFW. The best bags were those with their own distinct user personality. From the “Yes, I am a dog-lover and proud of it” in Dolce & Gabbana to the “You better not scratch my handbag” at Salvatore Ferragamo, these playfully flippant bags spoke to the unapologetic individualists in the crowd. A ladder of three bags for all that stuff we lug around everyday? Sign us up!
Finally, our pick for best show has to be Moschino. With tongue in cheek references that are oh-so-relevant (namely the environment, consumerism, media culture), this fashion house sang a tune of rebellion and advocacy that resonates with the current social climate.
Moschino also proved a most important point: you can rock a plastic bag down the runway and still look fabulous. Couture is an attitude indeed. Tres chic and Trash chic, there’s no difference!
Well, that’s all we have to say for MFW. Keep a look out for our wrap-up of fashion weeks: Paris! Our gut tells us that it’ll be a finale to remember.