Fashion month has moved to Italy, and Milan Fashion Week (MFW) has kicked off the Spring/Summer ’25 showcase with a bang. From September 17 to 23, the fashion capital is hosting 58 runway shows and three digital presentations, drawing global attention with some of the biggest names in the industry unveiling their new collections. After the successful editions of New York and London, Milan has stepped up to demonstrate that no one does fashion quite like the Italians.
This season’s MFW promises to be an unmissable event, with fashion giants like Fendi, Prada, Gucci, Versace, Bottega Veneta, and Dolce & Gabbana leading the charge. Traditionally focused on womenswear, more brands are now embracing unisex and co-ed collections, a trend gaining traction in recent years. Designers like Bottega Veneta and Ferragamo are pushing boundaries, joined by brands like Diesel, Jil Sander, and Marni. While Giorgio Armani has chosen to present in New York this year, Milan’s extended schedule has allowed emerging designers to make their mark. Here’s a roundup of the most notable fashion moments so far:
Day 1 Highlights
Fendi
Kim Jones opened Milan Fashion Week with a stunning Fendi SS25 collection. In anticipation of the Maison’s upcoming centennial celebrations, the collection paid homage to the year Fendi was founded, drawing inspiration from the Art Deco movement of the 1920s. The line seamlessly blended ready-to-wear and couture, bringing together machine-made and handcrafted elements, and celebrating both eveningwear and daywear.
The opening look—a sheer Art Deco-inspired shirtdress paired with rugged workwear boots—captured the collection’s essence. A delicate balance of transparency, embellishments, and retro silhouettes defined the show, with dropped waists, elongated shapes, and shimmering beading playing a prominent role. Drawing inspiration from the 1925 Paris Art Deco exhibition and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the collection radiated effortless elegance. One of the standout pieces, the Red Wing x Fendi collaboration boots, is sure to become a hit among fashion lovers.
Marni
Francesco Risso’s Marni show was fashion theater at its finest. Despite starting over an hour late, it was worth the wait. Models glided through a dimly lit room, where the audience was scattered across the space, creating a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere. Risso’s designs were pure fantasy—Napoleonic hats, arty prints on stiff fabrics, and oversized capes formed a procession of high-volume, exaggerated looks.
The collection was a visual feast of whimsical, distorted shapes, juxtaposed with more wearable pieces like boyish shorts and slip dresses. Statement accessories took center stage, with oversized sailor hats and dramatic necklines commanding attention. Risso cemented a new era of experimental fashion, one that embraces bold silhouettes, artistic flair, and statement-making accessories.
Day 2 Highlights
BOSS
BOSS stepped away from its usual corporate aesthetic to embrace a more relaxed, laid-back vibe with its “Out of Office” theme. The collection, presented at the stunning Palazzo del Senato, deconstructed traditional office wear to showcase a fresh perspective on everyday elegance.
Models donned relaxed silhouettes with loose, deconstructed silk coats, tailored shorts, and three-button suits, embracing a “clocked-out” approach to workwear. For women, flowing trench coats, draped blazers, and skirts that moved with ease underscored the collection’s emphasis on freedom and comfort. The shift in direction marks a new chapter for the brand, as it explores the delicate balance between sophistication and ease.
Roberto Cavalli
In an emotional tribute to Roberto Cavalli’s founder, Fausto Puglisi presented seven iconic pieces from the archives, worn by original models. These timeless designs included asymmetrical zebra dresses from the fall 2000 collection and a siren gown from fall 2003, alongside a selection of feathered gowns from the fall 2004 season. Puglisi’s new SS25 collection was equally dramatic, drawing inspiration from his hometown of Messina, Sicily.
The collection’s initial looks, characterized by nautical rope detailing and light, flowing white fabrics, evoked the sun-drenched beauty of the Sicilian coast. As the show progressed, vibrant photo prints of sunsets and crashing waves adorned slip dresses and pyjama sets. The standout moment came with the trio of mermaid dresses—stretchy, sensual, and perfect for the red carpet.
Etro
Marco de Vincenzo’s Etro show was a brilliant collaboration with Wolford, showcasing the brand’s signature prints on Wolford’s renowned fitted fabrics. The collection seamlessly combined Etro’s bohemian style with Wolford’s sleek garment craftsmanship. Bodysuits, jumpsuits, and dresses graced the runway, adorned with Etro’s iconic paisley motifs.
The standout pieces were the darker-toned looks, which contrasted beautifully with the vibrant prints, creating a captivating aesthetic. The collection drew inspiration from the theme of discovery, with each piece telling a story of exploration and chance encounters.
Summing Up
Milan Fashion Week SS25 has already delivered some of the season’s most iconic fashion moments. From Fendi’s Art Deco homage to Marni’s fantasy-filled runway, and BOSS’s redefined workwear to Roberto Cavalli’s tribute and Etro’s collaboration with Wolford, the event is living up to its reputation as one of the most exciting stops on the fashion calendar. As Milan continues to celebrate creativity and innovation, it’s clear that Italian fashion remains at the forefront of global style. Andiamo, Milano!