Your 15-Second Guide to What's Happening at MFW
Welcome to our S/S 19 runway coverage! With NYFW and LFW behind us and two more weeks of fashion month ahead, we're off to Milan for the next round of runway shows. From who's attending the biggest shows in Italy (and sitting front row) to the spring trends you'll see everywhere next year, this is your guide to the key moments of Milan Fashion Week. We're spilling everything you need to know about what's happening abroad in the fashion scene with our 15-second reviews.
Whether you're looking forward to spring's chicest trends and Instagrammable accessories and shoes or simply want a peek inside fashion's craziest month, we're here to bring you the best bite-size insight from the top runway shows, celebrity-filled after-parties, and everything in between. Keeping reading for the most important moments of MFW so far, and be sure to check back as we'll be updating the story as the events continue.
Fendi
WHO: Winnie Harlow
Fendi is pretty much the number one It brand of 2018, and at the S/S 19 show, the Fendi looks on the front row were as important as the new Karl Lagerfeld–designed looks coming down the runway. Particularly noteworthy was Winnie Harlow in a full Fila x Fendi look (and Anna Wintour's attendance, of course). The runway was filled with a slew of major models (as in Kendall Jenner, Kaia Gerber, Adwoa Aboah, and Gigi and Bella Hadid) wearing sporty-chic looks.
There was plenty of star power dripping with Fendi in the front row, including newlyweds Chiara Ferragni and Fedez.
Two takeaways, courtesy of Bella Hadid: Utility bags are the new belt bags, and bike shorts will still be around next spring.
Max Mara
Sometimes, we can’t help but wish all brands were just like Max Mara—creating cool yet timeless clothing that may not be the most out-there but, for that very reason, proves worth the investment time and time again. This characteristic is, of course, very much prevalent in the designs seen in Max Mara’s S/S 19 runway show, just as it has been in those of seasons past. It’s no wonder why classic-style expert Olivia Palermo is a longtime fan.
The show opened with this stunning yet simple camel-colored coat, with a ruffle detail to die for.
This look epitomizes the Italian brand’s aforementioned aesthetic and ideology: an all-black outfit that is so understated yet so amazing at the same time.
Moschino
Moschino Creative Director Jeremy Scott knows how to put on a show like no one else. He once again delivered for S/S 19 with a (very) '80s-inspired collection, in an uptown sort of way. Per usual with Moschino since Scott took the helm, there wasn't a dull look in the bunch.
Almost every model wore flat-top hats perched on their heads, which we can't help but think is Meghan Markle–inspired.
Gigi Hadid closed the show in a bridal look that people were Instagramming like crazy.
Missoni
We can always expect an array of wearable knits, unique layering techniques, and color patterns that are truly a sight for sore eyes. To sum it all up, the S/S 19 collection was no different. Models paraded down the runway dripping in cozy cardigans, funky flats, and even a few looks worthy of a more formal affair.
The Holy Trinity of models walked this show, including Gigi, Bella, and Kendall. If we've learned anything so far from Milan Fashion Week, it's that the Italians love these three It girls.
The accessories shown at the Missoni show were exceptional, proving everything from statement headwear to shell jewelry is here to stay for the coming season.
Etro
For S/S 19, it was Veronica Etro’s goal to bring a little bit of the life on the coast to Milan, and with one look at her runway show, I think it’s undeniably clear that she succeeded. From California’s Venice Beach to Hawaii to Japan, the inspiration can be found in everything from the collection’s tropical-feeling floral prints to the swimsuits reimagined in the brand’s signature paisley down to the accessories, including headwear and beach-ready bags.
These large-scale colorful florals scream tropical.
One of the most elevated beach outfits we’ve seen on the runway.
Salvatore Ferragamo
While there was so much to love from the Ferragamo S/S 19 runway show, including a slew of It models, standout looks, and an Armie Hammer appearance, as a shoe girl myself, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that for me, the footwear may have stolen the show. From the woven boots to the sculptural heels to the somehow appealing platform thong sandals, I suggest making room for multiple pairs in your wardrobe come spring.
This heel on these platform mules feels like a refreshing update to the sculptural heel trends of seasons past.
This color, which also appeared in some of the collection’s sandals, is truly striking. The woven element in the boots also makes them seasonally appropriate for spring.
Versace
Aside from the clothes, of course, the most exciting thing about the Versace show each season is seeing which '90s supermodel(s) will come down the runway. This season saw the usual 2018 supermodels (Kaia, Bella, Gigi, Kendall, Edie, Binx, etc.), but it was Shalom Harlow, who closed the show and subsequently created the most buzz. And speaking of the clothes, Donatella Versace dreamed up a very fun, colorful, retro collection for S/S 19, which the models seemed quite happy to be wearing.
If the Versace S/S 19 collection is any indication (and it is), the neon trend of F/W 18 is here to stay for a while.
Emily Ratajkowski took a rare runway walk wearing the sultriest version of an LBD fathomable. It was paired with a choker, which had us wondering if this close-fitting necklace trend we know from the '90s will be sticking around into next year.
Giorgio Armani
Every so often, we watch a runway show that offers a breath of fresh air from the usual inundation of trends that vies for our attention during fashion month. Giorgio Armani's S/S 19 collection did just that, presenting a delightfully straightforward take on spring dressing wherein shimmery iridescent material emerged in an ethereal palette of pastel pinks, blues, and greens. The whole effect was inspiring yet soothing.
The show boasted notable celebrity fans, from Cate Blanchett to Poppy Delevingne.
Marni
Marni's S/S 19 show took a look at fashion through an art lens. Classical sculpture was a clear influence on Francesco Risso in more ways than one. He sent out pieces with literal images of busts printed on them, but also in subtler ways, like nude dresses that mimicked the curves of the models wearing them.
Instead of benches or chairs, the venue was scattered with dozens of beds where all of the showgoers sat to take in the collection.
The beds where guests sat were intended to create different layers, which were echoed in the clothes themselves.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
-
Prepare Your Wallet: 7 Jewelry Brands Running Deep Discounts for Black Friday
Snag that tennis bracelet for 40% off.
By Ana Escalante
-
Nobody Does It Better Than the Italians—6 Trends Everyone Is Wearing in Milan
Attenzione!
By Anna LaPlaca
-
The Color Report: Every Shade Worth Remembering From the Spring 2025 Shows
No neutrals here.
By Eliza Huber
-
I'm Thinking Ahead—Here's Everything I Already Know I'll Buy Come Spring 2025
Right off the runway.
By Eliza Huber
-
9 Trends Set to Define Spring 2025 Fashion
What to know from the spring/summer 2025 runways.
By Eliza Huber
-
Milan Just Called the 7 Trends Everyone Will Adopt in Spring 2025
You can take our word for it.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
Chanel's Loafers Are the Ultimate Luxury—Here's Why the Fashion Set Think They're Worth It
The dream.
By Elinor Block
-
From Driving Gloves to Skirt Suits, the Gucci Show Cemented the '60s Style Revival
Sabato de Sarno continues to prove himself.
By Anna LaPlaca