As Milan gears up for one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year, the upcoming edition of Milan Fashion Week, running from September 17 to 23, 2024, promises a bold mix of innovation, tradition, and exciting new developments. Italy’s fashion chamber, in a highly anticipated announcement, has unveiled the final schedule for the event, which will feature 57 physical shows, eight digital presentations, and 69 in-person showcases. While these numbers align closely with the provisional schedule released in July, the week-long fashion extravaganza offers much more than just runway shows – there’s an extra day added to the lineup, exciting new collaborations, and a plethora of anniversary celebrations.
The Extra Day: A Crowded Calendar. According to Carlo Capasa, chairman of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI), Millan Fashion Week 2024 has gained an extra day, starting on September 17 – a strategic move that promises to elevate the event. Historically, the opening day of Milan Fashion Week has been relatively quiet, typically reserved for institutional events. However, this year sees a significant change, with major shows already scheduled from the very start, including Fendi, which will officially kick off the week at 3 p.m. CET.
Capasa expressed his satisfaction with the expansion, nothing how difficult it was to recure additional time within an already packed international fashion calendar. Milan sits between London and Paris Fashion Week, making it a high – pressure situation to maximize opportunities. “It’s an important step, one that has been very difficult to secure since it impacts the international fashion calendar…we need to find some space”, said Capasa, emphasizing the ever-growing number of events crammed into Milan’s week.
While the extra day is a step forward, challenges remain, particularly with the absence of Giorgio Armani’s iconic closing show. This year, Armani will instead debut his spring 2025 collection in New York on October 17, shifting the fashion crowd’s focus earlier towards Paris Fashion Week, despite the efforts to hold them in Milan longer. Nevertheless, Capasa reassured that Armani remains deeply committed to the Italian fashion calendar, with two Emporio Armani shows still scheduled to take place in Milan.
A Stellar Lineup of Designers and Show Formats. The lineup for Milan Fashion Week 2024 is impressive, showcasing the best of Italian fashion across various formats. Tom Ford will forgo a runway show this year, opting for an exclusive presentation of its spring 2025 collection in its Milan showroom on September 19, following the recent exit of creative director Peter Hawkings. Similarly, Ports 1961 will present its first collection under Francesco Bertolini through a more intimate format on September 21.
Emerging brands will also have their moment. Fiorucci will host its first runway show under the new ownership and creative direction of Francesca Murri, an event that’s sure to draw attention. Meanwhile, Brioni, MSGM, and a host of other labels – like Giada, Maccapani, and Taller Marmo – will present their collection through private appointments.
This year also sees notable collaborations such as Weekend Max Mara teaming up with “Emily in Paris” actress Ashley Park, and the tie-up between Max & Co. and celebrity stylist Lorenzo Posocco. These collaborations are expected to infuse the week with a fresh, youthful vibe, showing how fashion continues to intersect with pop culture and entertainment.
A Week of Celebrations and Milestones. Milan Fashion Week 2024 is more than just a display of beautiful clothes – it’s a celebration of milestones for several iconic brands. Iceberg will mark its 50th anniversary with a coed show and celebratory party on September 17, while Laura Biagiotti returns to a physical runway on September 21 to commemorate 50 years since her debut. Redemption will also celebrate its 10th anniversary with a special show.
Adding to the festive atmosphere is Vogue Italia, which will commemorate its 60th anniversary with an exhibition at Palazzo Citterio running from September 19 to 21. This retrospective promises to showcase the publication’s immense influence on the world of fashion and culture over the past six decades.
Economic Concerns Loom Over the Industry. Despite the festivities, there is a more somber undercurrent as economic challenges continue to affect the fashion industry. Projections shared on Tuesday suggest that sales in Italy’s fashion and related industries – including textiles, clothing, footwear, leather goods, jewelry, eyewear, and cosmetics – are expected to decrease by 3.5 percent in 2024, totaling 97.7 billion euros, compared to 2023. This decline follows a 6.1 percent contraction in sales during the first half of 2024, with geopolitical instability and weak internal demand identified as the main culprits.
However, exports continue to be a bright spot, growing by 5.5 percent and projected to reach 93.7 billion euros in 2024. Sectors like jewelry, eyewear, and cosmetics are leading the charge, with jewelry exports spiking by a staggering 58 percent.
Fashion’s Resilience Shines Through. As Milan prepares to host Fashion Week 2024, the city once again proves itself to be a global hub for creativity, luxury, and cultural significance. Despite the economic challenges facing the industry, the passion and innovation displayed by designers, brands, and organizers is a reminder of fashion’s enduring strength. With major milestones to celebrate, new collections to debut, and exciting collaborations to unfold, Milan Fashion Week 2024 is poised to captivate the world and solidify Milan’s place as a cornerstone of the international fashion scene.
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