The 9 Biggest Trends from Milan Fashion Week
From left to right: Roberto Cavalli, Daizy Shely, Elisabetta Franchi, Prada, and Gucci
Excuse us while we make a few Fashion Month generalizations (this is about trend spotting, after all): New York was ready for relaxation. London time-traveled back to the Victorian era. As for Milan? Well, this Italian city had no interest in fitting neatly into any category. There were, however, a few trends that did stand out from the rest. Scroll through to take a look.
Ultrafeminine
From left to right: Francesco Scognamiglio, No. 21, Roberto Cavalli, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, and Gucci
Milan started off on a light note with extra soft, hyper-feminine looks fitted with silky, gauzy fabrics and more ruffles than anyone probably needs. But since when is fashion about need? These looks fluttered down the catwalk all week.
Broad Bands
From left to right: Blugirl, Cristiano Burani, Blumarine, Daizy Shely, and No. 21
On the other hand, Milanese fashion is also known for bold statements and colors, and it's not something they forgot about for spring 2016. This was captured easily in the bold stripes streaking across the runways.
Green
From left to right: Versace, Prada, Marni, Sergei Grinko, and Ermanno Scervino
From forest to military to moss, it was too easy to be green in Milan — the color was practically everywhere.
Under the Sea
From left to right: Fausto Puglisi, Aigner, IM Isola Marras, Sportmax, and Emilio Pucci
Do you remember the nautical theme from the New York shows? Milan managed the same thing, only designers took things a little more literally. Instead of boatnecks and rope, the runways went under the sea with shells, nets and fish.
Cut it Out
From left to right: Fendi, Emporio Armani, DSquared2, Laura Biagiotti, and John Richmond
While shoulders are having a peek-a-boo moment, Milan would never miss an opportunity to expose the waist. This was most often achieved through small cutouts in just the right places.
Embellishments
From left to right: Antonio Marras, Fausto Puglisi, Fay, Gucci, and Etro
Embroidery and embellishments were common sights at shows that embraced maximalism. Not that there's anything wrong with that — this is one trend where you can't help but appreciate the craftsmanship.
Slick Silver
From left to right: Costume National, Aquilano.Rimondi, Philipp Plein, Iceberg, and Genny
Bright and metallic silver was a popular choice, appearing on both separates and full-length looks.
Trailing Tassels
From left to right: Damir Doma, Jil Sander, Arthur Arbesser, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Trussardi
This is one that's a bit hard to pin down, but a lot of the exits in Milan left a little something following behind them. Whether it be the remnants of a bow, a tied waist or just a decorative touch, tassels and loose straps trailed on many runways.
Black and White
From left to right: Roberto Cavalli, Elisabetta Franchi, Anteprima, Les Copains, and Byblos
Back to basics doesn't always have mean, well, basic. When black and white appeared on the Milan runways, you can be sure that designers made things interesting.
For more spring 2016 trends, click here.
All photos from Imaxtree or from the brand.
