Italian fashion is poised for transformation as the industry gears up for Winter 2025, with deep hues like burgundy stealing the spotlight and infusing garments with elegant depth. Notably, actress Isabella Ferrari, recognized globally for her cinematic prowess, showcased the allure of this rich color during the recent Filming Italy festival held from February 19 to 22, 2025, in Los Angeles. Sporting a complete burgundy ensemble by Bottega Veneta, Ferrari made waves with her sophisticated style, donning slightly oversized shirts paired with wide-legged trousers featuring thin tailoring stripes.
This trend of monochrome, vibrant styling encapsulates the spirit of 2025. Ferrari’s choice emphasized sartorial precision and provided ample visual intrigue, adorned with gold jewelry and accessories like a woven leather clutch and oval sunglasses. This look encapsulates the essence of sophisticated yet relaxed attire, steering attention toward well-cut garments which are both flattering and captivating.
But it’s not just actors who are setting fashion trends; the fashion week's backdrop is filled with inspiration from various quarters. Gianni Versace once professed his dreamlike approach to fashion—an ethos echoed by prominent designers today. “I want my fashion to be a dream,” Versace famously said, illustrating the dreamlike essence behind couture fashion.
Designer Matteo Tamburini of Tod’s concurs, remarking, “The dream is the origin of everything. It is the engine of creativity.” This reflects the industry's collective aspiration to move beyond the fast-paced consumption habits of the past, seeking to anchor creativity with palpable reality.
This return to quality and introspection is especially emphasized by creators like Alessandro Dell’Acqua, who stated, “There is no fashion without dream.” Likewise, Marco Rambaldi reflects on the industry's shifting priorities, noting, “Fashion must be well anchored to reality.” This grounded perspective reshapes how clothes convey stories and beauty, focusing on the artistry embedded within materials.
Ermanno Scervino, whose designs have promised to make women feel unique, offers collections manifesting this narrative. For the Winter 2025 season, Scervino's pieces aim to marry craftsmanship with contemporary influences, creating wearable art. Further highlighting the notion of beauty and luxury, Doutzen Kroes reflects the romanticism with her involvement with Twinset, showcasing how fashion can encapsulate both bohemian charm and high elegance.
The climate of Milan Fashion Week showcases another layer of innovative thinking, particularly through discussions linking fashion with the cosmos. This unique perspective is epitomized by the project “Fly Me to the Moon and Beyond,” highlighting how space exploration and fashion are slowly intertwining. Renowned space economy advisor Anilkumar Dave will lead conversations exploring consumer experiences shaped by advances in both fields.
Simultaneously, the importance of cultural studies and research is vocalized by Prada Group's Chief Business Officer Roberto Massardi, emphasizing collaborations between fashion and scientific growth. Manlio Di Stefano from Axiom Space, which collaborates with NASA, points out how exploring low-earth orbit generates creative avenues for fashion.
Nicolas Gaume, Co-Founder of Orbite, summarizes this merging by stating how consumers increasingly seek the experience of space on Earth. “This is not the future anymore, but rather an interesting present,” he stated during discussions about upcoming consumer trends.
Cultural engagements extend beyond discussions—exhibits such as the one at Palazzo Reale focusing on George Hoyningen-Huene capture the artistic synergy between fashion and high art, showcasing photography from 1925 to 1935, bringing history to life.
With all of these elements converging, the focus for Milan's Fashion Week is firmly anchored on crafting reliable narratives through quality textiles, as designers and brands showcase the transformative powers of fashion. While the industry adapts to new societal norms, the quest for sustainability remains ever-prominent, ensuring garments not only tell stories but echo the values of the world they inhabit.
Italian fashion is on the verge of entering its most thoughtful chapter yet as designers and stylists reclaim creativity and influence through sustainable practices. Rather than mere clothing, these are aspirations woven together, promising to create dreams, one elegant garment at a time—truly embodying the spirit of fashion as art.