It’s a wrap for the most glamorous Fashion Week. Between February 23 and March 1, veteran designers and new talents showcased their artistry at the Milan Fashion Week (MFW) 2021. And it was an enchanting exhibition of refined tailoring, eccentric silhouettes, luxury fabrics, and bright colour palettes by an ever-growing crop of talent.
Embracing the New Normal
Like the recently concluded London Fashion Week and the New York Fashion Week, it was not business as usual. The MFW was a digital affair—albeit a small group of Covid-19-screened buyers, models, designers, and media personnel.
Even with the weight of a global pandemic and public health regulations in place, the Milan Fall/Winter 2021 season still oozed with the characteristic charm that we’ve come to associate with the Italian capital of fashion. Along these lines, the general theme was that of hope and optimism. Creatives from the Italian city emphasized a post-lockdown wardrobe—complete with party-ready metallics and retro clubwear.
Milan Fashion Week Fall 2021 Trends
The tightly-packed event featured veterans like Marni and Moschino—along with exciting new players like the debuting Del Core label by former Gucci designer, Daniel Del Core. And it’s worth noting that the lineup was devoid of a few major players like Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Donatella Versace, and Jil Sander.
If you did not catch the Milan Fashion Week 2021 digital instalments from home as it unfolded, here are some of the notable trends from the inspiring collections:
- It’s a Metallic Affair: You may be cooped up in your home during the lockdown period, but when the time to attend parties comes, it seems sparkling metallic suits, skirts, and gowns are the way to go.
- Turning Back Time with Retro Clubwear: The idea of brighter days ahead (and before) permeated the Milan Fashion Week 2021. Designers drew inspiration from the timeless retro look to remind us of the good ol’ days.
- Neutral Hues: The Milan Fashion Week was a neutral affair, literary. Neutral tones took centre stage—with players such as Fendi, Tod’s, Alberta Ferretti, Sportmax, and Max Mara showcasing a diverse range of earthy, welcoming hues.
- Ponchos are Still In: Ponchos carry on in this season—courtesy of the likes of Salvatore Ferregamo, Alberta Ferretti, Marni, and Missoni.
- Flaunt the Shoulders: Fendi, Del Core, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Marni has one message to fashionista; lets your shoulders shine! The designers showcased a wide range of cold-shoulder and off-the-shoulder designs.
- Puffer with an Edge: From Marni, Robert Cavalli, MSGM, to DSquared2, fun but practical puffer had a moment at MFW 2021.
- Behemoth Bags: The Milan collections by Fendi, Prada, Tod’s, Alberta Ferretti, and Marni, featured near-comically-large bags that can carry enough items for a week’s trip. They’re functional, bold, and chic.