With Milan, we’ve now entered the second half of fashion week, where the true magic unfolds. Moschino, celebrating its 40th anniversary without a creative director, showcased the remarkable talent of four styling forces who raised the flag high and treated us to what I can only describe as a fashion musical. Following Tom Ford’s tenure, Peter Hawkings took the reins at the label, marking his debut show as the creative director, and he absolutely delivered. It was a fiery spectacle at Diesel’s show, and every look at Prada’s SS2024 spoke about clothes, not the story, the craftsmanship, purely garments.
Tom Ford
The label may be just 20 years old, but in Tom Ford’s SS2024 collection, under the creative direction of Peter Hawkins, we witnessed a compelling revival of the Ford era at Gucci. This comes as no surprise, considering their extensive collaboration spanning over 25 years. From the leather croc skirts and jackets to the sheer dresses adorned with metal belts and unbuttoned shirts that dipped below the naval, the collection exuded sleekness, chicness, and glamour. The men’s and women’s ensembles shared a cohesive aesthetic, speaking the same fashionable language. Sensuality flowed seamlessly, from the women’s white shorts and jacket ensemble to the men’s salmon pink suit paired with a button-down shirt. In summary, what resurrected Gucci from its 90s slumber is still palpable in Tom Ford’s ability to inject that unmistakable glamour into the brand’s DNA.
Diesel
Unfazed by the relentless rain, Diesel orchestrated a mesmerizing show on the vibrant ‘Red’ Runway. Surrounded by a sea of 5000 umbrellas, models flaunted bleached denims, distressed tops and dresses, anoraks, graphic tees, denim-on-denim ensembles, and daring sheer dresses with neon borders under the bust and on the crotch. Diesel exuded an undeniable blend of sensuality and urban coolness, undeterred by the inclement weather. Particularly memorable were the shredded jersey dress layered over sheer fabric, the men’s muddy denim with an apron-like overlay reminiscent of a butcher’s outfit, paired with a sheer tank top, and the eye-catching D bike helmet baseball caps.
Moschino
Founded by Franco Moschino in 1983, Moschino has consistently defied conventional fashion norms with its irreverent and humorous designs, marking four decades in the industry this year. With the creative director’s throne vacant, how does a brand celebrate such an anniversary? The answer lies in taking cues from the Moschino team. Enter Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Lucia Liu, and Katie Grand, four influential women from the fashion world who meticulously curated each decade of Moschino’s rich history, presenting an impressive array of archival looks. From timeless classics to bold cowboy hats and vibrant floral patterns to provocative slogans, Moschino’s runway shows remain theatrical spectacles, passionately celebrating the unconventional and embracing irony.
Fendi
If Samantha Jones and Carrie Bradshaw were to co-design a collection for Fendi, the SS2024 collection could serve as a great source of inspiration. The collection featured impeccably crafted pieces, including knitted turtleneck dresses, luxurious leather overcoats, abstract tops paired with shorts, and striking orange-red gloves adorning silk dresses, all meticulously tailored to embody clean lines and finesse, making a profound impact on the runway. Adding to the glamour, the front row was a star-studded affair. With icons like Demi Moore, Linda Evangelista, and Naomi Campbell in attendance, Kim Jones had the support of his esteemed friends, creating a dazzling spectacle that perfectly complemented the stunning designs on display. And let’s not overlook the handbags – an incredible array of Fendi classics like the Baguette, Origami, First, and Peekaboo took centre stage.
Benetton
Benetton’s SS 2024 collection, unveiled during Milan Fashion Week, combines floral, fruity motifs with vibrant colours that bridge generations and gender boundaries. Known for its knitwear and iconic campaigns that have challenged stereotypes and promoted unity, Benetton elevates everyday fashion under Andrea Incontri’s creative direction. While monochromatic palettes transition into playful strawberry and banana themes, denim accents add charm. Incontri’s philosophy centres on empowering wearers to feel iconic through personal style. The collection showcases Benetton’s enduring ability to reimagine fashion, offering versatile essentials that harmonize the iconic and reproducible aspects of the brand’s identity.
Onitsuka Tiger
Their SS2024 collection exuded understated chicness, especially in the menswear looks. Staying true to their signature colour palette, yellow boots, gladiator sandals, see-through shirts, black cut-out dresses, and yellow florals defined their collection.
Image Credit: Tagwalk
