In the world of fashion, Milan Fashion Week (MFW) is among the most highly regarded and anticipated events of the “Big Four” fashion capitals – Milan, London, New York, and Paris. the week consists of private shows from worldwide brands as well as displays from emerging designers – which are open to general admission. Occurring semi-annually on different dates throughout the fall and spring seasons of Milan, Italy, both the female and male collections showcased in MFW are intended to highlight the recent work and inspirations of the most prestigious fashion designers from across the globe. This year, Milan concluded its spring fashion week on March 3; however, additional shows for men and women will be held in both June and September. In its entirety, expanding the boundaries of fashion is welcomed through the works of both powerful, trendsetting brands and new fashion influencers alike.
Along with this, designer fashion brands have always taken full advantage of their ability to set trends during MFW by utilizing the image of famous faces – specifically the highest-paid models and celebrities. In instances from past years, iconic supermodels, including Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, have been recognized as symbols of MFW following their memorable collaborations with big-name designers. As highlighted in an article by Footwear News, singer and songwriter Victoria Monét played a role in bringing large fan bases from around the world to MFW. Additionally, famously loved models – such as Adriana Lima and Irina Shayk – were featured in this year’s 2025 MFW, spreading its image even further.
The city of Milan, despite having the highest urban population in Italy, truly does draw in a broad audience from all around the globe. As declared by Good On You Ratings, Milan is “no stranger to fashion,” as it is “home to some of the world’s leading fashion labels like Versace, Bottega Veneta, and Armani,” all of which typically feature a collection at MFW.
Despite countless well-known celebrities who attend, many other individuals who attend as general admission guests are often directly involved within the fashion industry; retailers, journalists, and social media influencers all look forward to MFW in order to assess new trends and seek out new inspirations that appeal to the public eye.
On the other hand, Milan’s sense of luxury and artistry specifically attracts celebrities, influencers, and other industry stars – who most often receive exclusive invites to the MFW. This common occurrence is likely related to Milan’s renounced reputation as one of the world’s four “fashion capitals.” As summarized by Visit Italy EU, Milan Fashion Week shows are “forbidden fruit reserved for industry insiders, VIPs, and wealthy clients,” as the culture and heritage of the event are also considered to be very iconic.
Moreover, Milan Fashion Week was officially established in 1958 after implementing the National Chamber for Italian Fashion – which is an organization intended to regulate and support the expansion of fashion in Italy. However, Milan’s history in fashion dates back to before the Renaissance when Italy had a monarch. Nobility in Milan influenced fashion for average civilians, as they desired the same luxurious look. According to an informational article by Context Travel, “Women in Italy wore elaborate clothing, jewelry, makeup, and other accessories while men wore pigmented colors and intricate embroideries on their tunics, both to signal their position and authority,” highlighting how broad the influence of bolder fashions stretched during this period.
Milan Fashion Week has upheld Italy’s legacy for decades and will ultimately continue to introduce ideas of expression. This event demonstrates how artistry, boldness, and elegance shape the current trends in the fashion industry. As this year’s fall collections just concluded, the 2025 spring collections will be displayed from September 23-29.
