From magic moments to standout shows – here are the ten stories you need to know from Milan Men’s Fashion Week S/S18
- TextTed Stansfield
ABRA made an appearance at Marcelo Burlon – first walking the runway, then taking to the stage where the Atlanta rap star gave an all-out performance as models strutted around the show space in the designer’s “gothic beach” apparel.
A MAGIC MOMENT at Fendi where Signora Fendi put on one of the best shows of the week. This season the designer put her spin on officewear, subverting the masculine uniform with playful tailoring, exquisite shirts and motifs courtesy of artist and Lucian Freud muse Sue Tilley.
ELABORATE SETS were served up by Prada, who worked with Taiwanese American artist James Jean (who also created the prints in the collection) and Ollie Schrauwen, and Ermenegildo Zegna who filled a courtyard with fluorescent orange gravel and a Minas Tirith-like tree of the same hue.
ESCAPISM was how many of the Milanese designers responded to a world in turmoil this season, and this was most profound at MSGM where Massimo Giorgetti raved it up with a Burning Man-inspired collection.
TECHNOLOGY was at the front of the minds of Milan’s leading ladies with Miuccia Prada designing a collection about the meeting of reality and virtual reality, and Silvia Fendi taking inspiration from humans and machines in the workplace.
MARNI staged a quiet revolution this season when former Prada designer Francesco Risso debuted a supremely elegant collection. No fireworks, just very nice clothes.
NEIL BARRETT opened the doors to his new headquarters on via Ceresio which, five years in the making, serves as a testament to the ongoing success of his namesake label.
PRADA put on an exhibition which, along with the house’s S/S18 collection, was based around the idea of virtual reality. Directed by Birdman’s Alejandro Iñárritu, Carne y Arena comprises of an installation where – using Oculus Rift technology – visitors encounter Central American and Mexican immigrants and refugees attempting to enter the US.
CONDENSED: as house continue to break away from the traditional fashion week system and stage co-ed shows, the Milan schedule was condensed which, according to the general consensus, worked very well.
TRÈ SAMUELS is one of this season’s breakout boys. The Australian R&B artist appeared in all the major shows - Prada, Fendi and more.
