Recap Milan Fashion Week Menswear FW2016/2017

While our own fashion capital was blooming last week, Milan too was the center of attention for all international fashion lovers as we were presented with the latest menswear collections for upcoming winter. And that didn’t go by unnoticed. Expect the usual dose of mind blowing collections, outspoken pieces and attending international superstars. In case Amsterdam fashion week kept you too busy or you’re simply looking for a 5 minute recap, here are the highlights of Milan Fashion Week, menswear fall/winter 2016.

1. Cameron Dallas causes a stir
Sure, we’re familiar with the photog frenzy outside certain shows. Especially when superstars like Kanye or One Direction make their appearance. Yet this season, at the Calvin Klein show, it was complete chaos. Screaming girls everywhere hoping to get a glimpse of Cameron Dallas. Who? Yep, make sure to remember his name. Cameron Dallas is a social influencer with, as it turned out, quite the following. So much for actors and rockstars at the frontrow…

2. David Bowie tributes
Luckily the rockstar spirit was still very much alive. Following David Bowies passing earlier last week some fashion houses even paid a little tribute to the rockstar (and fashion) icon. Giorgio Armani spoke about the singer’s Space Oddity in his Emporio Armani show with notes. At Gucci we spotted “Bowie” printed on the back of a jacket.

3. Gucci does it again
From velvet PJ’s to Snoopy references, from floral printed suits to embroidered beanies, from shearling-lined denim jackets to lurex tracksuits; Gucci once again made sure to be the talk of the town. Presenting a mix of diverse seemingly dated, yet refreshing rich designs, we could look at for hours. Also, actrice Hari Nef walked the show.

4. Gender Bleding
Which leads us tot he next highlight; so many shows included female models, turning the menswear shows into one big gender blending party. Antonio Marras, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Costume National, Giorgio Armani, Prada; are gender mixed shows the new standard?

5. The return of the menswear skirt
Lines are blurred more and more, that’s a fact. So, no we weren’t surprised to see the menswear skirt making it’s rentree on the runway at Dsquared. In fact, we’re excited. Floor sweeping and worn with a jacket. Let’s go!

6. Anonymity at Moncler Gamme Blue
Moncler Gamme Blue didn’t need to hire the prettiest faces. All of the male models in the show were anonymously hidden in the brand’s camouflage printed attire.

7. Into space
Giorgio Armani showed us the future. His show was opened by a bunch of snowboarders, followed by an extensive futuristic new collection. In outfits created with new technologies some of his models looked ready to board the nearest space shuttle.

8. Yellow fur Fendi backpack
If there will ever be a menswear it-bag next year it will definitely be the bright yellow fur backback by Fendi. Whether or not combined with the matching bomber; it’s a guaranteed head turner and wraps up what Fendi will be all about next year; soft, cosy and comfortable fashion.

9. Purple rain at Versace
And from one statement color to the next.. Donatella divided her sexy sportwear collection into several color schemes (silver, light blue, burgundy), ending with a surprising series of purple looks. Who knew men dressed up in lilac overcoats could look this admirable?

10. Italian tailoring at it’s best
Heavy (heavy!) leather, (boiled) woolen checks and a selection of velvet suits combined with the finest Italian tailoring had Tomas capture the perfect menswear mood. Long, lean, double breasted, skinny scarfs and sneaker-esque footwear. Bring it on!

11. Siberia proof
Long Johns paired with several labels of the thickest brown shaded fur had Domenico and Stefano creating the ultimate ‘walking your dog on a winter Sunday morning’- look. A nightwear inspired style that continued in the rest of their (Spaghetti) Western inspired collection, in the shape of silky pj’s worn with short leather jackets and woolen (gun embroidered) overcoats. Getting ready in the morning was never done this fast.

12. Bright & Wild
Statement colors and animal prints make up for the ultimate Etro f/w2016 look. Purple baggy trousers and oversized turtle necks paired with a cheetah trench certainly looked so very desirable. Meanwhile 17 year old model Luckly Blue Smith had hoards of screaming fans outside the Etro venue.

13. Sailor chic
Cropped trousers, XL capes and silly sailor hats determined Miuccia Prada’s collection for f/w 2016. One all about statement coats and fascinating prints by artist Christophe Chemin, that referenced historical drawings and paintings.