Apillar of the world’s four most prominent fashion weeks, Milan Fashion Week is a testament to Italy’s enviable craftsmanship. Versace, Prada, and Giorgio Armani are only some of the houses on the tip of everyone’s tongue for this anticipated show of sartorial splendour. From key dates, how it all started and why it is so important, we fill you in on everything you need to know about Milan Fashion Week 2024!
Everything You Need To Know About Milan Fashion Week
Milan Fashion Week is a semi-annual event which draws designers from across the globe to unveil their latest autumn/winter and spring/summer collections. It boasts an astounding selection of runway shows, exhibitions and private events throughout the city. Asking “Why is Milan a Fashion capital?” is an easily-answered question. To this day, “Made in Italy” is a label dripping in prestige and quality and is revered by many.
Attendees can expect to see stunning designs, cutting-edge fashion, and a star-studded front row as celebrities and influencers grace the event.
What is Milan Fashion Week?
Milan Fashion Week (otherwise known as MFW) is a biannual celebration of creativity, passion and la moda that takes place in February and September. Though not a capital city, it has become the unrivalled fashion capital of the Italian nation. Known for sumptuous styles and unparalleled quality, Italian fashion and upcoming trends have been dictated by Milan Fashion Week.
History of Milan Fashion Week - How Did It All Start?
MFW first emerged in 1958, establishing itself as the second fashion week to come into existence. Far from the fashion behemoth that it is today, Italian fashion existed on a merely local level.
Originally held in Florence in 1951, the event flourished - perhaps too much. Its growing popularity caused ghastly traffic issues in the area, prompting the move to Milan. Founded by Camera Nazionale de la Moda, the event was initially to highlight home-grown designers, yet quickly reached international acclaim. During a post-war effort to rebuild and reboot the nation, the concept of garnering international recognition was essential.
When is Milan Fashion Week 2024?
Hosting four editions a year across womenswear and menswear here are the Milan Fashion Week 2024 dates:
MFW AW 2024 Edition:
- Menswear: January 12-16 2024
- Ready-to-wear: 20-26 February 2024
MFW SS 2025 Edition:
- Menswear: June 14-18 2024
- Ready-to-wear: 17 - 23 September 2024.
MFW 2024 started the year with Men’s AW presentations taking place in January. Though garnering less reach, it is nonetheless a spectacle.
Men’s Week kicked off the AW 2024 season on January 12-16, with Women’s Fashion Week AW taking centre stage on February 20-26. This past Men’s Fashion Week SS25 unveiled eagerly awaited trends on June 15 -19. Opening the week with Gams note, with the event duly closed by fashion powerhouse Margano.
September 18-24 sees the conclusion of fashion week and the reveal of exciting and long-awaited women’s ready-to-wear designs. Over 40 brands will showcase their upcoming collections.
Milan Fashion Week in 2024 is packed with exciting shows and events from September 17 to September 23. Key highlights include the trio of Italian style:
- Gucci on September 18 at Via Alemagna
- Prada on September 19 at Via Lorenzini
- Versace on September 20 at Piazza Duomo
For the full calendar of SS25, visit here.
Where is Milan Fashion Week held?
Elaborate exhibitions and displays are dotted around the city throughout the week. The three main locations are Spazio Cavallerizze , Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Serbelloni.
Fashion Designers To Watch Out For
Burgeoning and beloved designers will be closely watched at Milan Fashion Week this September.
Each year, the Italian capital of fashion is replete with globally revered houses: Gucci, Prada, Miu Miu and Versace to name but a few. Paths are also paved for upcoming talent, with Gams Note, MTL Studio, DES_PHEMMES and Domenico Orefice featuring on the city’s fashion schedule.
Giorgio Armani has bowed out of this upcoming September fashion week yet will return to grace the streets of Milan for the AW 2025 collection next year.
Best-dressed celebrities at the 2024 Milan Fashion Week
Here are some of our front-row favourites from this year:
Emma Chamberlain
Emma Chamberlain proved once again why she is the reigning fashion influencer. Chamberlain arrived at Prada donning an oversized grey blazer, coupled with a sheer amber skirt and white heels.
Ashley Graham
Despite the dark shades of her outfit, Ashley Graham was luminous in her black leather trench coat at Alberta Ferretti’s show.
Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway raised eyebrows in a rouge leather Versace bodycon dress.
Where To Watch The Milan Fashion Week Replay in the UAE?
Fashion aficionados need not worry about missing a second of the spectacle.
Fashion blogs and websites will no doubt cover the best of Milan Fashion Week 2024.
Many fashion houses, including Gucci and Prada, will share their complete collections shows or curated highlights. .
How do I get invited to the Milan Fashion Week?
Invitations are typically extended to industry professionals, buyers, celebrities and influencers. Rubbing shoulders with the mavens of the fashion industry is a coveted experience during this week and as such, is not easily attainable.
However, if you’re wondering how to attend Milan Fashion Week, there may be some options. Networking or working for PR firms, brands, houses or fashion journalism may increase your chances of securing a ticket.
2020–2022: Milano Digital Fashion Weeks
COVID-19 saw global upheaval yet proved to be an opportunity for innovation for Milan Fashion Week. The 2020 edition of MFW proceeded digitally, marking a historic shift. Free of the social strata that typically govern fashion weeks, the 2020 edition was made available to a wider and more diverse audience.
In 2022, Gucci crafted a unique showcase by using 68 pairs of twins to model their designs. Designer Alessandro Michele gave a powerful nod to his own familial connection with twins. On a deeper level, his exhibitions speak not only of parallelism, but of the “other” that each can find within themselves.
Milan Fashion Week is shaping up to be an interesting one and we can’t wait to uncover next season’s trends.
