Carla Bruni took center stage at Milan Fashion Week 2025, dazzling audiences with her stunning performance as part of Tod's latest installation. The former first lady of France transformed herself, quite literally, becoming a living work of art, embodying the theme of craftsmanship and the artisanal spirit.
Bruni captivated the audience when she appeared clad in an extravagant, sculptural dress fashioned from reclaimed leather. What caught the eye was not just the dress itself, but also the giant sewing needle she held, symbolizing the essence of artisanal craftsmanship. This installation was crafted by renowned artist Nelly Agassi and showcased at the prestigious Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea (PAC) in Milan, adding layers of cultural significance.
Diego Della Valle, the president of Tod's, emphasized the message of the show, stating, "L’intelligenza artigianale vuole essere un manifesto che rimette l’uomo al centro delle cose. Con le mani facciamo ancora tutto, le macchine non sostituiranno mai le mani degli artigiani." His passion for craftsmanship was palpable as he described the installation as not merely about fashion but also about human connection and manual skill.
According to Della Valle, Bruni is the perfect embodiment of these values: “È una persona di prim’ordine, un’Italiana, cosa che fa un po’ la differenza, ha un’attitudine estetica molto forte e credo possa ricoprire bene il ruolo di simbolo dell’intelligenza artigianale.” Her presence sought to highlight the threat to traditional craftsmanship posed by the fast fashion industry, reminding onlookers of the importance of skilled labor and quality materials.
Surrounding Bruni were actual artisans at work, their craft displayed at tables nearby, reinforcing the message of the show. Each piece brought to life the philosophy of Tod's: behind every product is not just art but the hands and experience of artisans who dedicate their lives to perfecting their craft. The installation served as both beautiful performance art and important commentary on the fashion industry.
This year's Milan Fashion Week also saw other supermodels from the 90s making their mark, with Bruni’s sophisticated elegance vividly contrasting with the youthful energy of rising stars. The event was not merely about nostalgia but also about forging connections between the past and present, celebrating the ethos of fashion embodied by iconic figures like Bruni.
Matteo Tamburini, the creative director of Tod's, used the show to reflect on the continuous evolution of fashion intertwined with craftsmanship. The collection, inspired by the aesthetics of artists like Alberto Burri, Lucio Fontana, and Carla Accardi, showcased pieces where art and artisanal work blend seamlessly. The garments featured sharp silhouettes, detailed tailoring, and luxe materials, all crafted with care and precision to create timeless elegance.
With ensembles incorporating luxurious cashmere, alpaca blends, and embellished leathers, the collection speaks to the sophistication and tradition inherent to the Tod's brand, aiming to resonate with those who appreciate the finer details. Brought together, the differing elements of fashion and artistry were celebrated at one of Milan’s most influential events, with Bruni at its heart.
This exceptional tribute to craftsmanship not only reaffirms the values of excellence and quality inherent to Italian brands but also poses important questions about the future of fashion, urging consumers and creators alike to value the stories behind each piece.
Through Carla Bruni's presence and the artistic efforts of Tod's, the message reverberated throughout the fashion world: craftsmanship and artistry are not just trends—they are legacies worth preserving for future generations.
The Milan Fashion Week continues to pave the way for important dialogues surrounding fashion, sustainability, and artisanal integrity, ensuring each voice is heard and valued. It remains to be seen how these themes will evolve as the industry progresses, but one thing is for certain—Carla Bruni's performance at Tod's installation will be remembered as one of the week's most emblematic moments.