Milan and Paris Fashion Week felt noticeably quieter this season, but for those who attended, the atmosphere was lively and engaging. Photographers and fashion lovers alike were treated to beautiful, sunny weather throughout both events, which undoubtedly lifted spirits and offered a perfect backdrop for showcasing innovative styles.
Amid these summer-like conditions, many attendees embraced the trends of layering and color. Gone were the monochromatic tones; instead, vibrant hues returned in full force, breathing life into the collections presented. Renowned brands like Miu Miu took the lead by moving away from their traditional beige miniskirts, introducing bold color-blocking combinations that captivated onlookers.
Milan Fashion Week kicked off the showcase, although it did start with a brief sprinkle of rain. Luckily, that didn’t dampen the street style outside prominent shows at Prada, Moschino, and Tods. Instead, bold colors and playful prints emerged as defining characteristics of Milan’s street scene. The sidewalks became a living gallery, displaying a range of eye-catching outfits that embodied the essence of spring fashion.
One of the standout moments was spotting Hunter Schafer, who made her presence felt with a personal look that evoked excitement among fashion enthusiasts. Another highlight was Chloe King, whose reimagined outfits underscored her strong sense of personal style, effortlessly combining different pieces for a fresh take.
Heart Evangelista, known for her sophisticated fashion choices, expressed her love for the Tods brand, saying, "I like Tods because it’s a buildable wardrobe, so you know it’s something that’ll be worth your time and you’ll want to keep in your wardrobe forever. I believe in rewearing items, especially when they are made with high quality." This philosophy of sustainable fashion resonated with many attendees who appreciated versatile pieces that stood the test of time.
Another notable look came from Yoyo Cao as she was spotted outside Prada, flaunting a stylish ensemble that echoed the spirit of Milan. Vanelli Melli captured attention in a striking suede leather trench coat paired with a Prada bag, remarking about the balance of simplicity and quirkiness that the brand offers. "I love the simplicity that Prada brings to fashion, but also its quirkiness. You can choose to keep it casual or go all out—today, I’m keeping it pretty casual because it’s more my style," she said.
As the event transitioned to Paris, the city’s streets were alive with energy. Notable figures such as Chappell Roan, Jessica Gunning, Olivia Coleman, and Lily James were seen attending various showcases, each exuding their style in the exuberant Parisian atmosphere. The shows at Dior, Chanel, and Hermès buzzed with fashion fanatics, all eager to see what trends would emerge.
Chappell Roan particularly stood out with her distinct sense of fashion, attending shows like LDSS, Rick Owens, and Vivienne Westwood that matched her gothic vibe, which she often accentuates with striking makeup. Meanwhile, Olivia Coleman, a beloved actress, graced the Stella McCartney show, creating a buzz among fans. A quiet moment for a portrait immediately after the show made it a memorable experience that the photographer cherished.
Tamu Mcpherson, seen outside Hermès, expressed her enthusiasm for the day, stating, "It’s a bright sunny day here in Paris—we are loving the weather. I’m wearing a leather trench from Hermès and the tailoring is divine. It’s actually the perfect trench slash outerwear for a day like this." Her outfit reflected the lighter tones that defined this season's outlook.
Lily James made an appearance outside Dior, captivating attendees with her effortless elegance. Also noted was Sasha Mei, who presented a unique blend of styles outside Paloma Wool, advocating for the brand’s integration of personalized wardrobes. "I like Paloma Wool because of the styling, so I went with pieces that I already had in my wardrobe. Nothing is new and I kind of love that about this brand—you can integrate pieces from your wardrobe and create a certain look," she shared.
Finally, Kristen Bateman drew attention with her eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary fashions as she stood outside Zomer, sharing her experience with the brand. "I’m wearing a Marni coat, a pair of jeans, some Miu Miu sneaker heels, a Puppets & Puppets bag and lots of vintage jewellery mixed with my Dollchunk jewellery. This is my first time at the Zomer show, but I think they are very clever. Wearing clothing backwards was the concept, so the final walk came out first, and all the clothes were reversed and I just thought it was very clever," she noted.
Amid these fashion spectacles, Sarah Catherine Hook, who plays Piper in The White Lotus, also attended the Hermès show, contributing to the star-studded experience filled with memorable styles and displays.
As both Milan and Paris Fashion Week wrapped up, it was clear any perceived quietness was only a surface-level observation. Beneath it lay a tapestry of creativity and distinctive personal expression, marked by a rich palette and engaging styles. These cities once again proved themselves as the heart of the fashion world, setting trends and fostering individuality in days filled with sun and vibrant spirit.
