Milan, Italy: Milan Fashion Week experienced a delightful mix of fashion styles as designers adapted to the fickle weather, delivering captivating runway shows. Thursday’s runway presentations featured two distinct fashion camps: one embracing playful and brightly colored Spring/Summer 2024 collections, represented by Fiorucci and Benetton, and the other exploring more conceptual and sophisticated fashion, exemplified by Act N° 1.
Fiorucci’s Contemporary Revival:
Milan Fashion Week’s second day unveiled the rebirth of Fiorucci, an iconic Italian label founded in 1967 by Elio Fiorucci. In October 2022, Swiss businesswoman Dona Bertarelli acquired the label, ushering in a new era. Under the guidance of Alessandro Pisani as managing director and Francesca Murri as head of style, Fiorucci showcased 18 looks that offered a fresh take on the brand’s legacy.
Murri’s vision for Fiorucci introduced pared-down lines and sleek silhouettes that exude youthful contemporary charm. While maintaining Fiorucci’s signature irony, the collection featured playful accessories like colorful flip flops with neoprene strips, bonbon-shaped earrings, and a cylindrical handbag reminiscent of a marshmallow.
Inspired by the 1980s and clubbing culture, the collection incorporated statement shoulders, Lycra bodysuits paired with jeans, and vibrant hooded outfits. A modern twist on Elio Fiorucci’s iconic heart-patterned shirt with tassels added a touch of nostalgia. The wardrobe also included versatile pieces like oversized cotton shirts, men’s jackets, and broad-sleeved t-shirts.
Benetton’s Colorful Palette:
At Benetton, a vivid color-block runway featuring giant flowers and bananas set the tone for a lively show. Creative Director Andrea Incontri continued his efforts to redefine the brand’s image with fresh, appealing, and easy-to-wear designs. The collection included fitted double-layered jerseys, maxi t-shirts worn as mini dresses, striped poplin shirts, crocheted ensembles, and openwork knitted skirt-and-top combinations.
Benetton’s wardrobe featured denim essentials, retro high-waisted swimsuits, and sporty items like running-style shorts, tennis dresses, and rugby jerseys. The collection showcased an artful blend of pastel hues and vibrant colors, with multi-colored micro daisies and fruit motifs creating captivating contrasts.
Benetton’s fashion exudes vibrancy and fun, catering to both young and old. The show’s cheerful family atmosphere, with models accompanied by children or appearing as couples, emphasized the brand’s inclusive spirit.
Act N°1’s Evolution:
Luca Lin, now the sole creative force behind Act N°1 following his partner’s departure, embarked on a new direction for the label. Transitioning from sculptural tulle dresses, Lin embraced a more practical, everyday style. Men and women donned similar fashion, featuring joggers, voluminous sports-style trousers, traditional jackets, and exquisite painted silk shirts, a signature of Act N°1.
Long gabardine coats and denim corsets added diversity to the collection, creating a lived-in, used aesthetic with washed-out, smudged, and paint-splattered garments. Tulle made a graceful appearance, with layered effects showcasing the delicate sheer fabric in trousers and shirts.
Act N°1’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection offered a blend of comfort and style, with garments that conveyed a sense of lived-in authenticity.
Milan Fashion Week provided a dynamic range of fashion expressions, reflecting the creativity and innovation of these renowned brands.