6 Top Trends That Reigned the Runways

Every fashion week has its own magic and unique interpretation of what’s to come and trend in the ever-growing and ever-changing world of fashion. Milan’s translation of this is usually portrayed with the classic luxury and elegance that its fashion weeks are known for. The runways of Milan were filled with its signature opulence but in a most refreshing and daring way. The femme fatale sophistication was remixed with lady boss suits and powerful pants for strutting. Some designers replaced what one expects to see in fall/winter shows with breezy florals, wispy skirts, and colors that were reminiscent of a blooming and warm spring. The fabrics, colors, textures, patterns and shapes usually associated with autumn and winter took an unexpected turn for the better in Italy’s fashion capital. Take a look at the top 6 trends seen in Milan Fashion Week 2019-2020 Fall/Winter that shook the fashion world.

The 90s are alive and well for this fall and winter, which delivered boss-worthy suits. Max Mara sure meant business with numerous impeccable looks including one that Bella Hadid wore that featured a pinstriped blazer and skirt set completed with knee-high crocodile-textured boots, black tights and a bagged vest tucked under the blazer. “The Politics of Glamour” collection truly embraced what the brand represents, which is strong and powerful women. Max Mara won its fame of clothing some of the most empowering women when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was seen looking like a winner wearing the infamous red “Glamis” coat after a complex negotiation with the President of the United States. Some more brands that were all work and pleasure were Vivetta, which had a more fun and colorful take, Versace, with a grungy yet sexy interpretation, and the effortlessly cool Sportmax.

High-waisted, mega-wide pants that moved strongly at every step commanded the runways of Italy. Designers like Cavalli and Ferragamo combined this trend with the power suit trend by pairing the wide pants with shoulder-enhancing blazers. Max Mara lounged in with soft, neutral colored pants in complete harmony with every piece it was combined with that pleased the minimalist at heart. Including colors like crème, camel, tawny brown, white-freckled charcoal and stormy greys, it was neutral, monochromatic perfection. Emilio Pucci had a more vibrant take by featuring jewel-toned, silky almost liquid-like pants. Versace delivered a 90s flair to the not so 9-to-5 shoulder-stacked grey plaid pantsuit. Alberta Ferretti went for an Equestrian vibe with loose-fitted stark white pants tucked in leather boots paired with wide belts, big-collared button-ups, and strong lapel blazers. Jil Sander featured floor-grazing chocolate-espresso leather pants.

Fendi meaningfully included tights with a label logo print but with a typography that not many are used to seeing (that is, the famous double-F modern sans serif logo). “The interlinked double F logo [dubbed “Karligraphy”] that Lagerfeld himself invented in 1981 was reimagined in the copperplate font of his own handwriting and woven into hosiery…” , according to Vogue.

Versace had lots of fun with this trend, going all out with colorful tights and over the knee lace-topped socks that were combined with even more vibrant outfits. Some looks also featured youthful fuzzy socks paired with point-toed pumps and crystal-encrusted bowed sandals. In the more monochromatic part of the collection, black on black ensembles featured some intricate lace cut-out designs on black tights.

Pleats are known for adding freedom of movement and dimension to any garment that chooses to embrace it. Depending on the technique, each pleating creates a unique and kinetic effect. This trend danced to quite a lot of runways at MFW. Marni showed it was serious by opening with an oversized, grey and double-breasted blazer with a maxi knife-pleated skirt that flowed together so well, that one would think it was a one-piece garment.

In the heartfelt collection, Fendi presented, you could almost see Karl’s signature in every single pleated skirt that graced the runway. The skirts ranged from flowy, earth-toned, midi-length skirts, semi-transparent ones that played with light and dimension to reveal little but impacting details in every step, to a bold, box-pleated, patent leather, and aquamarine maxi skirt.

Who would’ve thought that spring and summery colors would be paired with cozy winter coats? Max Mara opened the show with three models, a 90s runway style homage, with monochromatic ensembles featuring colors like cerulean, cyan and baby-chick yellow. Vivetta and Elisabetta Franchi went with bright, floral colors like fuchsia, lilac, emerald green, aquamarine and sky blue that gave the winter coats and capes the warmth that spring and summer give us. Some of their looks even included floral patterns. Florals? For autumn? Groundbreaking (truly).

Milan also said that yes, you can definitely wear white after Labor Day. Designers like Alberta Ferretti, Attico, Maison Margiela, and Jil Sander delivered crisp white ensembles that brightened up fashion week.

6 ON LEATHER… ON LEATHER

Milan Fashion Week said in bold font that there is no such thing as too much leather. Ferragamo, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Cavalli, Versace, Marni, Tod’s, Emilio Pucci, Fendi, Prada, Max Mara, Gucci, Alberta Ferretti, Jil Sander, Margiela and more all included leather in their designs which ranged from head-to-toe ensembles to adding minute finishing touches. The leather ensembles came in all shapes and sizes, playing with colors like cognac, canary yellow, and a bright blue-green, textures like glossy patent, smooth, satin-like finishes, and 3-dimensional animalistic surfaces featured in all kinds of curvy to sharp-shaped garments. Ferragamo gave us head-to-toe leather looks that had matching colored sets and color-blocked looks as well. Tod’s buttery and boxy coats, Jil Sander’s chocolate colored wide satiny pants, Fendi’s bright-colored patent boots, Gucci’s wide tied belts, and Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini’s youthful semiglossy jackets and miniskirts claimed that the 90s were back again and ready to party.