The anticipation for the upcoming Spring/Summer 2024 fashion trends reached its pinnacle as Milan and Paris took center stage during the Fall 2023 runway events. In a whirlwind of creativity, innovation, and heartfelt moments, the runways unfolded a captivating narrative of what’s to come in the world of fashion. Let’s explore the highlights and trends that graced the catwalks, offering a sneak peek into the style landscape awaiting fashion enthusiasts in the spring of 2024.
Milan: Tradition and Innovation
Milan’s Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2024 marked by three standout presentations that captivated fashion enthusiasts. Peter Hawkings made a memorable debut at Tom Ford, crafting a collection that skillfully blended tradition with a modern twist. Simone Bellotti stole the spotlight with his inaugural collection for Bally, exuding sophistication and originality. However, the true headline of the season belonged to Sabato De Sarno, who, unveiled his debut as Gucci’s creative director. Following four collections without a leader, De Sarno orchestrated a deliberate reset, steering Gucci towards a clear and streamlined aesthetic. This marked a significant shift for the iconic Italian brand after the departure of Alessandro Michele the previous year.
Noteworthy presentations included Moschino’s 40th-anniversary showcase, exploring the house’s archives, and Prada and Bottega Veneta reaffirming their status as Milanese mainstays with standout collections. Giorgio Armani, in his traditional fashion, concluded the affair with glamorous daywear and red-carpet-worthy gowns, solidifying Milan’s influential position in the global fashion landscape.
Paris: Eclectic Elegance
Notable debuts during the autumn fashion week in Paris included Stefano Gallici at Ann Demeulemeester and Harris Reed’s second collection for Nina Ricci, while the seasoned Daniel Roseberry returned for his second ready-to-wear show for Schiaparelli.
However, the emotional farewells stole the limelight, particularly Sarah Burton’s final collection for Alexander McQueen and Gabriela Hearst bidding adieu to Chloé. Stefano Gallici, the new creative director for Ann Demeulemeester, showcased his debut collection, bringing a fresh perspective to the brand.
From experimental sets to avant-garde presentations, designers in Paris embraced a dynamic approach, elevating the fashion experience beyond traditional boundaries. Diesel, known for its mind-blowing scenography, invited thousands to an outdoor rave, while Cavalli staged a jungle-inspired presentation. Valentino enlisted FKA Twigs and contemporary dancers to perform, adding a memorable dimension to the runway experience.
The eclectic runway spaces reflected the diversity of the collections, with brands utilizing venues ranging from Karl Lagerfeld’s former apartment to a construction site on Champs Elysee. The power of performance continued to play a significant role, with Issey Miyake exploring movement and Balenciaga transforming its venue into a theater.
Spring/Summer 2024 Highlights
Minis with a nod to 1960s silhouettes: Marni, Miu Miu, Michael Kors, and Missoni
The’90s Nostalgia: Marni, Bally, and Ferragamo
Casual Business: Loewe, Chanel, Dries van Noten, Gucci, and Prada.
Creamy Butter: Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Del Core, and Jil Sander
Denim: Junya Watanabe’s tiered stitching to Chanel and Valentino’s full denim sets and Schiaparelli’s denim cargos.
Film Noir: Prada and Maison Margiela
Asymmetry: Loewe, Rick Owens, Burberry, Comme des Garçons.
Architectural silhouettes: Balenciaga, Givenchy, and Rick Owens
Overall, Spring/Summer 2024 will be a season of reinvention, with designers breathing new life into classic styles, embracing nostalgia, and pushing the boundaries of creativity.
