Milan, once dominated by some of fashion’s global powerhouses, is unanimously one of Fashion Month’s highly anticipated destinations.
Of course, each location harbors an amount of inspiration and creativity we can’t begin to wrap our heads around, but this year Milan’s mind-boggling showcases opened the door for viewers to discover surreal presentations. The juxtaposition of fairy tale and modern-day designs only scratches the surface.

Given the granularity of these shows, (right along with the timing of the Oscars), it’s only right that we dish out our own superlatives for Milan Fashion Week.

All photos courtesy of Vogue Runway

MOST ECCENTRIC

Per usual, we looked to Gucci to give us a collection, in the literal sense. The showcase was an assortment of trinkets and unfinished pieces. Nothing seemed to make sense, yet we understood the raw storytelling Alessandro Michele executed on the runway. Gucci demanded viewers pay attention lest they miss a gem: it was a thrifting experienced fueled with spiked masks and chokers, raw edges and Pierrot collars. We predict Gucci's androgynous use of suiting to trend during the fall, as oversize blazer jackets and classic three-piece sets were seen on the runway.

MOST LIKELY TO BE QUEEN

Pierpaolo Piccioli’s vision and Liya Kebede‘s exclusive patterns brought a unique Moncler Genius Collection to life. The aristocratic showcase took an alternative route in its presentation, opting for Victorian architecture to compliment the regal pieces. Normally we wouldn't associate down coats with royalty, but the couture trapeze gowns made of traditional outerwear material deserves a crown.
Will retailers create their own version of the extravagant coats this fall/winter season? Fingers crossed.

MOST LIKELY TO PLAN A REUNION

Etro's age-defying cast ranged from the American teen, Cara Taylor, to the legendary Farida. Veronica Etro's collection also reunited us with a print to have on our radar for the fall season: paisley. Although the pattern is a key design in menswear, the rise of unisex trends will give life to Etro-inspired pieces. The collection transitioned effortlessly from aristocratic themes to Nineties street, with ruffled paisley blouses and trim pants to ankle-sweeping paisley wool skirts.

CLASS REBEL

Imagine black lipstick, leather, and chains...It's that type of party. Marni's creative director, Francesco Risso, gave us a show about pleasure without guilt by pushing us towards sensual experiences through conservatively kinky pieces. An oxymoron, yes, and the collection wasn't an easy pill to swallow - but that's exactly what was intended. Nevertheless, we can expect style influencers to gravitate towards a few of Etro's themes including wide shoulders, contrasting plaids, knee-high boots, and leather trenches.

MOST POPULAR

Most Entertaining would have been more fitting. Still, we chose Moschino as the most popular runway show due to its creativity and the nostalgia provided to viewers, from golden confetti raining down from the sky above an 80's Ferrari center stage, toBarbie-like models with carefully sculpted hair. This show was definitely the buzz of Milan Fashion Week.

The fully functional Price is Right set was an ode to the game show, (and others like Wheel of Fortune or Press Your Luck), done with the Jeremy Scott touch, i.e. next level. This show was complete with glimmering lights, and models like Kaia Gerber, Jasmine Sanders, and Bella Hadid glammed up like retro Barker’s Beauties. Watch what went into this extravagant show above!

BEST COLLABORATION

It was an emotional month for fashion with the passing of Karl Lagerfeld. In life and after, Lagerfeld still performed, delivering one last brilliant collaboration between Silvia Venturini Fendi and himself. The collection highlighted the modern woman, with androgynous longline coats appearing throughout the show. Expect to see a wave of trending outerwear this fall, as Fendi combined classic trench silhouettes with materials including PVC, leather, and faux fur.
After its fall 2019 ready-to-wear show the brand paid tribute to the late designer by airing a portion of Loïc Prigent’s 2013 documentary, “Karl Lagerfeld Sketches His Life,” after the models finished their finale walk and Silvia Venturini Fendi took her bow.

BEST DRESSED

Best dressed just couldn't go to one designer. So, we dedicated this category to Milan's street style. Several themes we predict to carry over into the fall include powersuiting, PVC, and cinched waist, (seen most with blazers). Layering continues to dominate street style trends, and one question remains: Will biker shorts last yet another season?

We’ll be wrapping up our Fashion Month coverage with Paris, next week. Stay tuned here.