Milan Fashion Week: A Showcase of Innovation and Artistry

Published
September 26, 2025

Milan Fashion Week has once again captivated the fashion world, showcasing a blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural commentary. This year’s event featured a diverse array of designers, including MM6, Tod’s, Valextra, and Sara Battaglia, each presenting collections that reflect both contemporary trends and timeless artistry.

MM6: Conceptual Fashion Meets Street Style

MM6 Maison Margiela, the diffusion line of the iconic Maison Margiela, took to the cobblestone streets of Milan for its Spring-Summer 2026 collection. The choice of venue-a backstreet known for its fashionable eateries-set the stage for a unique presentation that blurred the lines between art and fashion.

The collection was characterized by a striking color palette reminiscent of Post-it notes, featuring faded yellows, light turquoises, and baby blues. Models walked the runway in mirrored visors, a nod to the brand’s avant-garde aesthetic. The garments included expertly crafted rawhide leathers in rich burgundy and coal, paired with sheer skirts that revealed playful cami-knickers underneath.

The show also featured innovative trench coats that transformed into transparent blouses, showcasing the brand’s commitment to juxtaposition-a hallmark of Margiela’s design philosophy. The co-ed show included menswear pieces like eggshell blue suits layered over foamy sweatshirts, emphasizing a casual yet sophisticated approach to modern dressing.

The finale was particularly poignant, as no designer took a bow, honoring the founder Martin Margiela’s preference for privacy. Instead, the audience was led to a new Margiela store, reinforcing the brand’s continuous evolution within the fashion landscape.

Tod’s: Celebrating Italian Craftsmanship

Tod’s presented a collection that celebrated the brand’s rich heritage of Italian craftsmanship, staged within the art foundation MAC. Guests were greeted by artisans meticulously crafting the brand’s signature Gommino moccasins, a symbol of luxury and comfort.

The runway featured a palette of soft vanilla hues, mirroring the color of the moccasins and the suede seating. Notable attendees included celebrities like Naomi Watts and Iman, underscoring Tod’s appeal to a high-profile clientele. The invitation itself was a cardboard replica of a Gommino pattern, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to artisanal excellence.

Creative director Matteo Tamburini showcased a range of leather garments, from simple sheaths to striking black oversized trenches with contrasting white seams. The collection was underscored by a soundtrack that included Jamie xx’s “The Rest Is Noise,” creating an atmosphere of sophistication and modernity.

While the collection was undeniably elegant, some critics noted a lack of risk-taking in the designs. The focus on leather and traditional silhouettes, while expertly executed, left some yearning for more adventurous choices.

Valextra: A New Era for the Iside Bag

Valextra unveiled two new iterations of its iconic Iside bag, marking a significant evolution in the brand’s offerings. The Iside Editor, a larger version, features a softer feel and a suede lining, while the Iside Tin, a smaller variant, draws inspiration from a Milanese term for a cute child.

CEO Xavier emphasized the importance of effortless style, highlighting new treatments like textured Senso nubuck and the hammered Martellato finish on the house’s signature calfskin. These innovations reflect Valextra’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship, ensuring that each piece is not only stylish but also functional.

Sara Battaglia: A Bold Statement of Sisterhood

Sara Battaglia’s new boutique, adorned in vibrant red, made a striking impression during Milan Fashion Week. The designer, who is expecting her first child, presented a collection that celebrates femininity and empowerment. The plissé design elements throughout the store symbolize the complexities of womanhood and the strength of the women’s rights movement.

Battaglia’s collection includes reversible bicolor plissé dresses and accessories designed to fit seamlessly into the Plissé Bucket Bags displayed in the store. The collaboration with Dritto Filo, which supports women survivors of violence, adds a layer of social consciousness to the brand’s offerings.

The all-red aesthetic serves as a powerful visual metaphor for defiance and resilience, resonating with the ongoing fight against domestic violence in Italy. The collection is available through a “See Now, Buy Now” model, allowing customers immediate access to the latest designs.

Conclusion

Milan Fashion Week continues to be a pivotal event in the global fashion calendar, showcasing a rich tapestry of creativity and cultural significance. From MM6’s conceptual streetwear to Tod’s celebration of Italian craftsmanship, each designer brought a unique perspective to the runway. As the fashion industry evolves, these collections not only reflect current trends but also engage with deeper societal themes, making Milan a true epicenter of fashion innovation.