Hello from Detroit! I’m visiting my sister here in Michigan, which means indulging in red wine, face masks, and talk of Paul Hollywood’s kneading expertise (if you watch the British Bake-Off and are even remotely attracted to men, you’ll know what I’m talking about). But it’s also February, which means that Fashion Month is still in high gear – and this past week was Milan’s time to shine.
As usual, there is a lot to say about politics and fashion with regards to Milan Fashion Week. Gucci gave a seizure-inducing runway statement on identity amidst chaos, Prada’s show made a statement about femininity as it relates to Frankenstein’s monster (you can’t make that stuff up, really), and Moschino mocked consumerism in that Worhol-esque way that the brand is wont to do with it’s game-show themed presentation. There’s a lot to unpack there. But I’m not going to.
Sometimes, it’s nice to take a breath in the name of simplicity. So instead of a socio-political breakdown, I’m taking a more practical stance on the blog today. Practical and fun.
We’re buttering the bread of the tried-and-true fashion blog staple, the runway trend report. So come Fall, when you’re shopping around – be it in Target or Neiman Marcus – you’ll have an idea of what to look out for. For me, it can help prioritize how I want to spend my clothing budget, and sometimes even give me a sense of what to avoid (like pussy bows, for instance. Yes, that’s a real term currently in use. I have opinions on that).
Puffers
I mean, duh. Of COURSE puffers are going to be practical for fall and winter, right? The difference is that nowadays they’re *fashion*.
So much so that Moncler, a brand known for their down jackets, launched the Moncler Genius Project – a series of capsule collections with guest designer collaborators. The most iconic collaboration was with Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino’s creative director. My jaw fell to the floor at the soft, sculptural beauty of the collection. It also gives me hope that one day it will be appropriate to wear maxi dress puffers sledding #whatdreamsmaycome.
Clearly, there is a very small market for these outrageously gorgeous creations. So thank goodness that we also saw designers giving a more practical interpretation to the puffer:
Patchwork and Embroidery
Regarding the jacket above, I say to Armani, “shut up and take my money.” I want it. A lot.
Big Blazers, Big Trousers, Big Sweaters
Just everything B I G. Yup, the 80’s maximalism is here to stay, people. In real life, I’d suggest picking one (1) item to go big and keep the rest very sleek. If you’re using wide leg trousers, pair it with a bodysuit or fitted top. If you’re going big with a blazer, keep your top and pants slim. If you’re going with a big sweater, may I (again) make the case for no pants?
1940s Silhouettes
We’re talking accentuated shoulders, defined waist, and below-the-knee hemlines. Great for people who work in an office, believe you’re Lauren Bacall, or if you’re a church organist. It’s a crowd-pleaser and one of my personal favorites.
Shine: Leather and Satin
I love shiny things and am so glad that I’m not the only one. In Milan, we see lots of shine infused into collections via patent leather and satin.
The nice thing about this one is that you can easily pepper it in by using one piece that’s patent leather or satin. You could also go whole-hog. No one’s stopping you, least of all me.
This season’s Milan shows reminded me of why I love Italian design so much. It’s bold, it’s never simpering. It’s wearable, but it has a sense of humor and fun. It tends to be made to fit women’s bodies, rather than to obscure our shape. What did you like about Milan’s shows this season?
love,
Stig
PS. Here’s a bonus TV dinner look from Moschino, just because it’s hilarious:
