Celebrating luxury style: Milan and London Fashion Week highlights

The crisp autumn air brings with it a fresh new season for fashion statements. This past week the fashion world had all eyes on two major cities, London, and Milan. Offering fashion citizens, a rather palpable energy of excitement for what’s in offer for the coming season. London and Milan Fashion Week have set the tone for high-street fashion in the realm of ultra-luxury.

Both fashion weeks draw in a range of audiences that is quite diverse. While London Fashion Week brings a sense of creative innovation and luxury extravaganza, Milan Fashion on the other hand brings light to street style with iconic designers. This season saw brands like Burberry, Milly Godard, JW Anderson, and others at London Fashion Week. Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Chet Lo, and Fendi amongst others were a few names at Milan Fashion Week.

When we speak of the guest list, these fashion weeks saw the likes of Kate Winslet, Winnie Harlow, Emma Watson, Scarlett Johanson, and Sofia Richie amongst others in attendance. Alia Bhatt was also spotted attending shows at Milan Fashion Week.

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Some brands that captivated the audience at London and Milan Fashion Week:

Roberto Cavalli

The classic design house launched its Spring/Summer 2024 collection at Milan Fashion Week. Cavalli’s new collection featured animal motifs inspired by a jungle theme. Their ensembles were truly inspired by the jungle’s yin and yan – the flora and fauna. Detailing their outfits with intricate tropical prints and lush green vibrant hues won many critics over. Adding to their design excellence was the detailing of their signature animal prints.
For the silhouette and cuts, the brand went for a classic 70s style. Imagine flared pants, and maxi dresses in their bold tropical prints with fringe detailing. An ideal boho-luxe look powered by the 70s.

Chet Lo

The designer launched an adventurous and unique SS24 collection at Milan Fashion Week. The designer worked with a Chinese sensual design theme using Chinese motifs. His use of sensual objects like a sword tearing through the fabric amalgamated with skin-hugging ensembles was a bold representation. One that was well accepted by the crowd and went on to offer some of the best runways looks at Milan Fashion Week 2023.

Prada

One of the highlights at Milan Fashion Week SS24 was the Prada showcase. This season Prada showcased an alluring range of experimental, everyday uniforms with fringes adding drama to the ensemble. Working with high-end sophisticated materials, the brand showcased a collection that can work from day to night. The runway models were seen in breezy looks that were styled to strike a fine balance between casual, daring, and comfort-chic.

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Fendi

Known for their timeless elegance in all their collections, at SS24, Fendi drew inspiration from Rome’s historical statues. Designed keeping in mind an independent working woman focused on her career, Fendi used subtle colour palettes in pastel mixed with bold colours. What made the show even more spectacular was the art direction for the runway. Giant sculptures on the all-white runway were a true hit. As models walked down with Fendi’s pocketed Baguette Bag, there was soft music of Dinah Washington from 1960’s album mesmerizing the audience.

Burberry

Taking over the Bond Street tube station in London, the Burberry show unveiled brand-new accessories with a vibrant take on British heritage. Padded and leather structured bags in red, white, and green took over the dark green carpet runway. The creative designers, Daniel Lee’s SS24 collection showcase at London Fashion Week saw chain prints and a Knight Blue hue dominate the show. The Burberry Trench coat was reimagined with a classic check print on the collar. Models walked down the ramp in their patent leather shoes with prominent silver buckles and belts. The much-anticipated Burberry show was attended by Jodie Comer, Bukayo Saka (English footballer), Kylie Minogue, and Naomi Campbell among others.

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Richard Quinn

Offering a tribute to his father who recently passed away, Richard Quinn showcased an exquisite collection amid live music and fresh flowers. In his words ‘I wanted it to be angelic and ethereal. Something where everyone could feel and know who my father was.’

The show began with an alluring balletic performance. And has been called one of the only shows this season that has come close to being a haute couture show. His show had models walking close to the audience, a deliberate move to offer a palpable energy and closeness to the designs. The audience had a close view of the intricate detailing of the embroidery. Adorning white outfits embroidered in sparkling whites and delicate lace embellishments, he showcased a sophisticated bridal and custom evening wear collection. Every detail of the show and the garments reflected a level of nuance and refinement in a white-carpeted intimate room design.

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Moments that surprised us and brought in something new to the season:

a. At the Simone Rocha show, models walked in white-coloured embellished platform Crocs. When embellished with pearls and crystals, these became a defining fashion statement everyone seemed to be in awe of.

b. We sure did hear this one for the first time. Matty Bovan is known to have invited the front-row guest for the show for a backstage dinner. The catch you ask. Well, the dinner happened while his models were getting runway ready. Offering an unfiltered live sneak peek into the collection.

Ashely Graham and Winnie Harlow walked the runway for Matty Bovan.

c. A new editor-in-chief is in town! In another surprise moment, Chioma Nnadi via the London Fashion Week reports was confirmed as the first Black woman to edit British Vogue.

d. Little red dress is in!
You heard it right, moving away from the subdued colour palettes, luxury houses like 16Arlington, Chet Lo, JW Anderson and some others brought in a scarlet red fashion back on the runway. A great hit that the audience was rejoiced to watch.

e. Masoom Minawala Mehta, Mitali & Summiyaa from the House of Misu and Niki Mehra Madan, the Indian fashion and lifestyle influencers attended the Diesel Spring/Summer 2024 collection. All four divas wore Diesel ensembles offering an edgy, street-chic, and vibrant look to make them stand out at the event.

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Author: Mankiran