Milan Fashion Week has once again captured the world’s attention, as the city’s famed runways set the stage for Spring/Summer 2026’s womenswear collections. The event, which kicked off on September 25, 2025, and runs through the end of the month, has drawn not only the crème de la crème of fashion designers but also a constellation of celebrities, making for a dazzling spectacle both on and off the catwalk. According to the Associated Press, top designers including Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Roberto Cavalli have already unveiled their latest visions, while stars such as Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Demi Moore have graced the front rows, adding an extra layer of glamour to the proceedings.
This season, Milan’s runways are abuzz with both tradition and transformation. Prada’s Spring 2026 collection, as detailed by Marie Claire, resurrected Miuccia Prada’s iconic early-2000s beaded collars, presenting a parade of must-have dresses and heels that evoke nostalgia with a modern twist. Meanwhile, Fendi’s Spring 2026 handbags made waves by hiding sequined surprises beneath austere leather exteriors, blending whimsy with sophistication. Roberto Cavalli’s collection leaned heavily into Y2K influences, showcasing lace-up legs, semi-sheer printed fabrics, and signature animal prints, all of which have become hallmarks of the brand’s bold identity.
Yet, it’s not just the clothes that have people talking. The front rows have been a veritable who’s who of Hollywood and the fashion elite. As reported by Marie Claire, Julianne Moore was spotted at Bottega Veneta’s much-anticipated Spring 2026 show, donning a double-denim ensemble that was both understated and effortlessly chic. Michelle Yeoh elevated the classic all-black look with a hip-length leather jacket and towering loafer heels, punctuated by a crisp white Bottega Veneta bag—a clear nod to the brand she was championing that day.
Louise Trotter’s debut as creative director for Bottega Veneta marked a historic moment for the brand. Lauren Hutton, whose association with Bottega Veneta dates back to her iconic appearance in 1980’s American Gigolo, attended the show carrying her namesake woven clutch. Hutton updated her look with a double-breasted gray suit and sneakers, embodying the blend of heritage and innovation that Trotter sought to honor in her first collection. The significance of this debut was not lost on the fashion world, with many observers noting the seamless integration of classic Bottega motifs with Trotter’s fresh perspective.
Elsewhere in the city, Solange turned heads at Ferragamo’s Spring 2026 show in a collarless aviator jacket and matching skirt, once again collaborating with stylist Danielle Goldberg to create a look that was both enviable and on-trend. Kelly Rutherford set a new standard for fall style at Tod’s with a waterfall lapel wool coat, black turtleneck, and A-line leather skirt—a masterclass in versatile neutrals. And when fashion royalty Iman arrived at Tod’s in a sumptuous leather coat styled as a dress, the flurry of camera flashes made it clear that her presence was as commanding as ever.
Ice Spice, the rapper whose style is as bold as her music, was a fixture at multiple shows, including MM6 Maison Margiela and Roberto Cavalli. At Maison Margiela, she wore a trompe-l'œil dress with interlacing belts, paired with ankle-strap heels for a playful yet sophisticated look. At Cavalli, she embraced the label’s Y2K aesthetic with a striped jumpsuit and a leopard print bag, capturing the essence of the brand’s daring spirit.
Prada’s front row was a masterclass in personal style. Kerry Washington chose a signature Prada combination: a gray sweater tucked into a billowing skirt, topped with an oversized leather jacket. Carey Mulligan, Sadie Sink, and Maya Hawke each put their own spin on fall layering, demonstrating that two shirts are indeed better than one. Mulligan opted for upscale minimalism with a blue poplin button-down over a white satin top, while Sink and Hawke each layered tees and sweaters in ways that felt both personal and fresh. Eiza González, meanwhile, brought a retro flair with a suede skirt and track jacket, channeling the disco energy of Prada’s recent collections.
Maude Apatow’s tailored vest and flared trousers at Max Mara’s show drew admiring glances, while Natalia Bryant’s appearance at Emporio Armani was particularly poignant. This show, held on September 25, 2025, was the first since the passing of Giorgio Armani earlier in the month and served as a prelude to the label’s 50th anniversary celebration. Bryant’s ethereal, shimmering top and perfectly cut pants paid tribute to Armani’s legacy of elegance and innovation. According to Marie Claire, the atmosphere was charged with emotion as guests, some in vintage Armani, honored the designer’s enduring influence.
Hilary Duff made her Milan Fashion Week debut at Fendi, pairing a cherry tomato red top with a mint green skirt and a hot pink bag—a trio of unexpected colors that worked together with surprising harmony. Serena Williams and Gwyneth Paltrow brought star power to Gucci’s premiere of The Tiger, a short film by new creative director Demna. Williams stunned in a black gown with a feathered collar, while Paltrow embraced Gucci’s monogram print from head to toe, embodying the brand’s new direction.
Back at Roberto Cavalli, Natalia Bryant and Ice Spice showcased the full spectrum of the label’s design language. Bryant wore a gold serpentine choker with a three-quarter sleeve dress and burgundy pumps, while Ice Spice sported a semi-sheer jumpsuit and leopard print bag, each look capturing the playful energy of Cavalli’s Spring 2026 collection.
Through it all, Milan Fashion Week has proven to be a feast for the senses. From the revival of beloved trends to the debut of new creative voices, the city’s runways and front rows have offered a masterclass in style, innovation, and the enduring power of fashion to unite stars, designers, and fans alike. As the event continues and anticipation builds for the Giorgio Armani label’s milestone show, one thing is clear: Milan remains the beating heart of the fashion world, where tradition and transformation walk hand in hand.
