As we recover from the extravaganza that was London Fashion Week, Milan gives us a lineup of buzzworthy moments; leaving us in the depths of a fashion coma.

From the expected to the unexpected, Milan definitely had a lot in store for their Spring 2023 event – and it’s fair to say, it didn’t disappoint. To find out all the highlights and details from the shows, keep reading…

Gucci is Seeing Double

There were twice as many Spring 2023 looks featured at Gucci’s show following creative director, Alessandro Michele’s decision to cast 68 pairs of twins to walk the Gucci runway this year.

A homage to his mother, who is a twin, Michele reveals “I am the son of two mothers,” on the show notes. His mother and her twin “shared a genetic solidarity but, above all, they shared an intimacy which was inaccessible to others.”

A different path for Gucci, a meaningful path – and we are here for every second of it! But Michele didn’t end his double Gucci vision there. The show also featured an interactive runway for which the audience could unconsciously find themselves included in the twinning fun!

“The designer had the audience separated via a floor-to-ceiling partition with simultaneous shows taking place in each section. It was only when the wall—featuring portraits of twins and look-alikes by Mark Peckmezian—lifted before the finale, that the guests were able to grasp the entire concept of the show.”
Source: Vogue Arabia

Bottega Veneta

The recent Bottega Veneta show at Milan Fashion Week was one for the history books as we witnessed the debut of the house’s new creative director, Matthieu Blazy – and it’s safe to say, he definitely fits the role. Subtle fashion is clearly his style, commencing with nothing but jeans and a t-shirt, however, this is where the subtle twist is revealed – a simple jean and t-shirt look crafted entirely from ultra-thin leather. After all, it is the rich leather history of the Italian house that inspires him the most. And this seemed to set the tone for the rest of the collection.

“A-line skirts with fringed petticoats, woven thigh-high boots and three-times printed and shimmering sequinned dresses joined the line-up.”
Source: The Guardian

Fendi

“The best way to explore the Fendi archives is through the Fendi wardrobes,” says Fendi creative director, Kim Jones. Reintroducing Fendi’s signature designs, Jones took on two of the brand’s most loved collections, rewriting the history of Fendi by indulging the brand into a new era in which the old styles have been altered to fit into a modern world, using none other than his fresh, contemporary perspective.

Jones drew inspiration from the woman herself, Delfina Delettrez Fendi, strutting through the house’s Roman headquarters wearing a printed blouse from her mother’s wardrobe. Imprinted in his mind, Jones used her style, as well as prints borrowed from his mentor, Karl Lagerfeld, used in his SS86 collection. From delicate chiffon dresses to corseted feminine silhouettes, countered by masculine tailoring, Jones gave us a lot to look forward to when the SS23 collection hits stores.

Giorgio Armani

A silent show – to reflect his solidarity for the people of Ukraine. Giorgio Armani made the decision to eliminate music from his runway as a way to express his support for the Ukrainian population following the distraught they have undergone in the past year. His recent show at Milan Fashion Week was commenced by an announcement over the loudspeakers ahead of the catwalk, informing the audience that Armani’s decision “was made as a sign of respect towards the people involved in the unfolding tragedy”. So, the only sound showgoers were hearing was the sound of heels hitting the runway and camera clicking – a first in history.

Prada

As for Prada, unlikely combinations were the go. But don’t worry, although unusual styles, co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, still managed to pull off a totally desirable collection – and we’re here for every bit of it! According to the Guardian, the recent Prada collection “progressed to a masterful use of fused fabrics graduating from grey flannel, to a crystal-dusted metallic mesh,” starting with a simple white tank, paired with a low-waisted sequinned skirt, and finishing on tweed coats carved at the neck or back.

Paris Hilton for Versace

Trust Donatella Versace to serve the most unforgettable of runways. And who is more unforgettable than Paris Hilton…? Hilton closes the show, wearing a pink Swarovski crystal-encrusted mini. This Barbie-inspired look, modelled by our real-life Barbie, is one of Milan Fashion Week’s main highlights. Fashioning a sleek side-part, pink gloves, pink pointed-toe pumps and a matching veil, the Versace show was definitely one of the most memorable in history.

Kim Kardashian for Dolce & Gabbana

As we all know, ever since the Kravis wedding in Portofino, the Kardashians are known for their relationship with the Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana. However, with Kim Kardashian as the main advocate, a special collaboration with the reality-TV star was unveiled at the recent Milan Fashion Week.

Refurbishing prices from previous collections seemed to be the trend in this year’s Spring event, so trust D&G to hop on the bandwagon, their own twist, however – Kim Kardashian. Reinforcing her high-fashion credentials, Kardashian’s partnership with the Italian fashion house showed significantly in the reworked pieces, showcasing her personal style blended with the brand’s signature style.

And much like Versace, after an extravagant runway of corsets, lingerie-heavy looks, and plenty of denim and animal print, the only thing remaining was an unforgettable closing, and who better to make this happen than Kim Kardashian strutting the last look of the D&G runway? Walking the catwalk in a sparkly bodycon look, Kim Kardashian accompanied Dolce and Gabbana to present a headline-worthy finale.

Kate Moss for Bottega Veneta

Let’s circle back to one of the main events – Bottega Veneta. Just when you think the creative director, Matthieu Blazy, can’t make the show more memorable… he manages to stun us once again. Kate Moss features on his runway, with a checkered shirt, white tank top, and oversized jeans, It really reflects the house’s subtle simplicity once again.

But of course, this glamorous appearance isn’t just to show off a simple look. Just like the rest of the collection, Moss’ outfit showcases the brand’s technical expertise. As per Vogue Arabia, “the flannel shirt worn by Moss was in fact, leather, and required 12 layers of prints to achieve the depth of color Blazy wanted.”

Jill Sander Reigns On

Umbrellas make an unexpected appearance at the Jil Sander show this season. The rain seemed to work in the house’s favour; adding a huge dose of drama to the event.

According to Vogue Arabia, this was one of the week’s most memorable occurrences. “All models were required to walk out holding umbrellas which not only made for Instagram-worthy moments but also paired well with Jil Sander’s relaxed tailoring, knits, and lightweight pieces replete with soothing neutral hues.”

Arab Models Hit the Runways

It was the Arabian models, however, that truly made Milan’s Spring 2023 Fashion Week. From Imaan Hammam to Amira Al Zuhair. And, of course, fashion’s beloved Hadid sisters. The SS23 Milan runways were full of Arabian models. This representation of the region’s fashion industry gives audiences bold and empowering women to look up to.

Moschino

For Moschino, their choice was easy. They put none other than Moroccan-Egyptian model Imaan Hammam on the runway. Fashioning pool floaties and a colourful dress, Hammam serves a stylish and fun look. It represents everything the house stands for. But her modelling for the week didn’t end after the Moschino show. She also walks for Versace in a head-to-toe black ensemble. It’s a fierce look, with a smokey eye. It seems to reveal a new, contrasting image for the former Vogue Arabia cover star.

Dolce and Gabanna

Next was Dolce & Gabbana, who we know gave us Kim Kardashian, what they also have us, however, was the Saudi-Arabian model, Amira Al Zuhair. The contemporary fashion week regular entered front and centre onto the D&G catwalk fashioning a bold look assembled by the Kardashian sister herself.

One we haven’t mentioned yet – Hugo Boss. Starring Iraqi para-athlete Zainab Al-Eqabi, along with hijabi Somali model Ugbad Abdi. The Boss runway promotes nothing less than diversity and inclusivity in their casting this year – and it is literally everything we need.

And of course we can’t forget about our favourite Arabian sister duo; part-Palestinian models Bella and Gigi Hadid. Milan Fashion Week SS23 sees “their goth-inspired looks for Versace [receiving] just as much attention as Bella Hadid‘s walk for Jil Sander, where she closed the rained-on show dressed in neutrals except for a bright red bag in one hand, and an umbrella in the other,” as per Vogue Arabia.

Last, but definitely not least – Moroccan-British model Nora Attal and Algerian-French model Loli Bahia. The part-Arabian models were seen walking the Versace runway. Attal, wearing a fitted purple mini dress, and Bahia, in a hot pink corseted dress and bridal veil.

Subscribe to FIB’s Weekly Breaking News Report for your weekly dose of music, fashion and pop culture news!