Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023 was packed with moments that will go down in history as some of the most iconic moments in fashion history.
The week-long showcase of new trends and newer brand directions saw Paris Hilton and Versace pledge allegiance to Barbiecore, Kate Moss and Bottega Veneta form a new connection (and launch a thousand memes), and had models trip and fall on their way down the runway deliberately (for once).
Here’s a quick roundup of all the highlights from the recently concluded Milan Fashion Week SS23.
Gucci Twinsburg
Never one to disappoint when it comes to delivering dramatics, Alessandro Michele had everyone seeing double when he sent down 68 pairs of identical twins down the runway for the SS 23 show. Inspired by his mother, who was also a twin, the show was Michele’s way of challenging the assumption that one-of-a-kind pieces are the only important thing when it comes to personal style. The designer wanted to make a statement that the same piece can look and feel different on other people by displaying the garments on identical twins.
Kate Moss for Bottega Veneta
Supermodel Kate Moss made one of her rare runway appearances for Bottega Veneta’s show. Moss’ presence was instantly iconic for more than one reason. The model was seen wearing a normcore outfit consisting of jeans, a tank top, and a loose plaid shirt. But a closer look revealed that the entire ensemble was made of leather, a concept that creative director Matthieu Blazy introduced last season in his debut show with the label. Not only this, but her casual and listless walk became a meme spawning hilarious comparisons.
‘Fall’ fashion at AVAVAV
Beate Karlsson’s debut collection for AVAVAV had models tripping and falling down the runway, shocking and surprising the onlookers. The collection, comprising of big textures, oversized silhouettes, and dollar sign emblems, was inspired by money, specifically new money. Speaking to Hypebeast, Karlsson explained that the reason behind the models’ dramatic showcase was to highlight the reeling impact of the reality check one gets after coming out of the ‘fake it till you make it’ mentality that’s favoured by most of us millennials and GenZ.
Celebrity cameos
Reality stars Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian closed the shows for Versace and Dolce & Gabbana respectively. Both the celebrities were on the opposite sides of the spectrum with Hilton’s bright pink bridal Barbie look and Kardashian’s dark and slinky vintage gown. Tommy Lee took the runway for designer Phillip Plein’s rockstar-themed show.
The season of debuts
Milan Fashion Week SS23 saw debut collections from a number of new creative directors of heritage labels. Ferragamo debuted a new logo and signature colour with Maximilian Davis’ collection. Marco de Vincenzo presented his first collection for Etro, Fillipo Graziolli did it for Missoni, and Rhuigi Villasenor debuted for Bally.
