Milano, I adore you!
Sadly, I’ve graced the global Italian capital of fashion and design with my presence only once (extremely sad emoji). It was back in 2007 during a school trip and we stayed there for only half a day, but I still managed to do a decent shopping trip and look around. In fact, my first visit to a Swarovski store was in Milan as we didn’t have a branch at that time in Bulgaria. I think that’s when I fell in love with the sparkly little crystals and I’ve never looked back. It was my first jewellery purchase by myself (I was only 16). Single butterfly pendant with a leather strap is what I bought, for just under €40! However, I did the mistake to do my purchase in front of two of my classmates. By the end of the day, I’ve heard stories about me and my €100, €200 and €300 Swarovski purchase with my personal Amex card (I paid cash, FYI) … Therefore, I’ve put those rumours in the funny category of all the Chinese whispers I’ve heard about myself. Ironically, that’s how I remembered my first and last trip to Milan! Gigantic yachts, breath-taking display windows and my Swarovski hoax…
Milan Fashion Week
Thank heavens for Milan Fashion Week to remind me of my rather funny flashback from the Italian fashion capital. My memoir is now fading, making room for a more graceful and iconic moment – the return of the original supermodels! The emotional and very powerful Versace show was the highlight of Milan Fashion Week (at least for me!). Strutting over George Michael’s ‘Freedom’, Donatella joined the supers for a bow. An epic moment which circulated, and most probably broke, the internet in the following couple of days.
Other highlights from Milan Fashion Week included Gucci’s nostalgic show featuring throwback to the ‘80s and Sir Elton John. Alessandro Michele took inspiration from the iconic British singer’s stage outfits. Models owned the catwalk with their glam rock looks and high-waisted jumpsuits. Meanwhile, Kaia Gerber officially became this seasons IT model by walking Bottega Veneta, Fendi, opened Moschino and …drum rolls, please… walked PRADA! *clap clap*
Roberto Cavalli and Jil Sander were fresh meat at Milan Fashion Week, whereas Dolce & Gabbana’s not-so-secret ‘secret show’ wowed with their Queen of Hearts-themed extravaganza. Moreover, sheer black dresses, corsets and Queen of Hearts-prints ruled the show. Models in the likes of Hailey Baldwin showing a lot of sex appeal! There were also cannoli, veggie and floral presences, and a whole lot of sparkle! What made my day though was Stefano Gabbana’s response to the outrageous New York Times’ article ‘Does Milan Matter?’. “Milan has everything – everything,” he told Corriere della Sera newspaper. “This year’s Fashion Week struck me as being more joyous and relaxed than usual. The problem is that we Italians are insecure. We always feel inferior to others, whereas, in reality, it is the others who are afraid of us. We know how to do everything – fabrics, accessories, buttons – even the labels that go on clothes. That’s why others try to belittle us.” Wise words, Stefano, wise words!
In the spirit of traditions (NYFW & LFW), here’s a gallery of my fav outfits from Milan Fashion Week!