Milan Fashion Week: A Bold Showcase of Innovation and Elegance
Published
September 28, 2025
Milan Fashion Week, a cornerstone of the global fashion calendar, witnessed a remarkable display of creativity and craftsmanship this past Saturday. The event featured standout collections from Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, and Ferrari, each offering a unique perspective on contemporary fashion.
Bottega Veneta: A Return to Craftsmanship
Louise Trotter made her highly anticipated debut as the creative director of Bottega Veneta, a brand renowned for its luxurious leather goods and artisanal craftsmanship. Trotter’s collection, aptly titled “Bottega,” emphasized the brand’s heritage while infusing it with modern sensibilities.
A Couture-Like Experience
The show, held in a repurposed warehouse in South Milan, was a testament to Trotter’s vision of blending functionality with high fashion. The collection featured the house’s signature “intreccio,” or woven leather, prominently displayed in nearly every look. Trotter even incorporated this iconic material into the invitations, which transformed into a stylish leather string bag when manipulated.
In a unique collaboration, Trotter enlisted Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen to create an audio experience for the show. The soundtrack featured a haunting blend of Nina Simone’s “Wild Is the Wind” and David Bowie’s rendition, enhancing the emotional depth of the presentation. Trotter remarked, “This was a collective work by our team. I took my time, and I am still taking my time, as it’s such a big house.”
Innovative Designs
The collection showcased a range of silhouettes, from lightweight leather trenches and cloaks to elegantly draped off-the-shoulder dresses. Trotter’s tailoring skills shone through in the flamboyant double-breasted coats, characterized by exaggerated shoulders and deep waistlines. The models carried soft, functional bags, including messenger styles and oversized clutches, emphasizing a chic yet practical approach to luxury.
The show culminated in a series of experimental dresses made from thousands of hand-sewn strips of recycled glassware, a nod to Venice’s rich glass-making tradition. Trotter’s innovative use of materials and fresh typography for the Bottega Veneta logo signaled a new era for the brand, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year.
Dolce & Gabbana: Boudoir Chic Takes Center Stage
In stark contrast to Trotter’s refined aesthetic, Dolce & Gabbana embraced a more provocative theme, aptly dubbed “Boudoir & Gabbana.” The collection was a celebration of sensuality, featuring designs that blurred the lines between intimate apparel and high fashion.
A Star-Studded Affair
The show was graced by the presence of Meryl Streep, who is currently filming “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” Streep, embodying her iconic character Miranda Priestly, made a dramatic entrance alongside Stanley Tucci, who played her fictional art director. Their presence added a layer of glamour and nostalgia to the event, as they took their seats opposite fashion luminary Anna Wintour.
The soundtrack, featuring the sultry voice of Patty Pravo, set the mood for a collection that was unapologetically bold. Models strutted down the runway in a variety of looks, including men’s striped pajamas adorned with sequins, lace knickers, and tulle tops. The designs exuded a playful yet daring spirit, with each outfit seemingly crafted for a night of romance.
A Celebration of Femininity
Dolce & Gabbana’s collection also featured sharp chalkstripe suits and pinstripe boleros, juxtaposed with sultry lingerie and corsets. The show invited viewers into a world where every woman appeared ready for a rendezvous, encapsulated by the invitation that featured a ruffled black silk eye mask.
Ferrari: Fashion Meets Functionality
In a surprising turn, Ferrari showcased a collection that emphasized clean lines and sophisticated silhouettes, diverging from the brand’s traditional automotive focus. Designer Rocco Iannone presented “Ferrari Officina,” a collection aimed at dressing the modern professional.
A Monochromatic Palette
Gone were the flashy logos and graphics typically associated with luxury brands. Instead, Iannone focused on draping and cutting, presenting elongated coat-dresses, blazers paired with cargo pants, and wrap tea dresses. The first dozen looks were presented in a pristine white, exuding an air of elegance and simplicity.
The collection later transitioned to more experimental pieces, featuring sponged leathers and acid-dyed denims in muted tones. Accessories included the new soft Ferrari Dino bag and silver padlock jewelry, completing a look that was both functional and stylish.
A Unique Presentation
The show was punctuated by dramatic music, including “Final Symphony” by Classix Nouveaux, as models navigated the runway with confidence. Iannone’s program emphasized the parallels between fashion and automotive design, stating, “Whether cars or clothing, the thinking and process are the same: one edits, chooses, reduces, decides.”
In a notable gesture, John Elkann, Ferrari’s patron, gifted Pope Leo XIV a miniature Ferrari and a Formula One steering wheel during a recent audience, highlighting the brand’s cultural significance beyond fashion.
Conclusion
Milan Fashion Week continues to be a platform for innovation and creativity, as evidenced by the bold presentations from Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, and Ferrari. Each brand, in its unique way, reflects the evolving landscape of fashion, where tradition meets modernity, and craftsmanship is celebrated. As the industry looks ahead, these collections serve as a reminder of the power of design to inspire and provoke thought.
