4 Noteworthy Trends That Are Coming Out of Milan This Week

What a strange fashion bubble we editors exist in these days! Rather than jostling for a seat or frantically uploading to Instagram Stories while simultaneously watching a show for new trends, key looks, or, say, Kaia Gerber, we're being given the chance in this on-pause era to take a step back, look at the collections from afar and see how brands—both big and small—can respond to a tough year in creative captivity. Over in Milan, it looks like some fashion houses have found ways to thrive in the conditions: Creativity, in my opinion, is looking plentiful in this fashion capital.

Perhaps it's the energy of Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons's second collection together. A coming-together of great design minds like this was bound to spur change across an industry. Maybe it's the repositioned priorities we now have when it comes to comfort, shopping and feeling like ourselves via the medium of clothes. If you can't dress out your heart's greatest desires from the safety of your own living room, when and where can you? And for that matter, I think we're all more than ready to take these new, confident looks into the real world.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Valentino)

The urge to get outside and put that hard outfit-building work into action is palpable. London's designers took a more "ballgown down the pub" approach to autumn/winter 2021, whereas Milan looks to be channeling an eclectic, bohemian dinner-party vibe instead. There's more homespun craft in Italy's mood boards than I've ever seen—crochet knits, patchworked fabrics and mismatched colours are all present and feeling delightfully thrown-together. It's a look I'll definitely be channeling come autumn, if not sooner.

Keep scrolling for the four Milan Fashion Week trends I'm already into.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Etro)

Etro's natty neon jumpers have been tempered with camel trousers and unexpected paisley prints. The perfect antidote to a gloomy day.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Prada)

Trust Prada to combine highlighter hues with totally weird-but-brilliant loden greens, sky blues and black.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta)

Bottega Veneta's girls will be doing neon, knitted matchy-matchy looks for autumn.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Sportmax)

It's another offbeat combination that just works—Sportmax's neon yellow, burgundy and pea green are very alluring.

SHOP THE TREND:

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Prada)

If your ensemble doesn't include at least two different pieces of knitwear, then it simply isn't fashion enough! This Prada dress-and-roll-neck combination is giving me all the feelings.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Fendi)

The knitted bra looks set to continue its reign well into autumn/winter 2021—here is a very chic version with a long skirt at Fendi.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Bally)

Bally's two-piece is a great option for work when offices start to reopen…

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Sportmax)

Yes to hook-and-eye-fastened crop tops and cardigans together! Thanks for this, Sportmax.

SHOP THE TREND:

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Max Mara)

The Italian fashion houses have always been good with logos and monograms, and I love the vintage feel coming through on this Max Mara headscarf.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Fendi)

Fendi's logo tights are definitely going to be picked up by the influencer set.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Bally)

Bally's metalwork logo clasps on shoes and across stacked loafers are going to shoot right to the top of the luxury charts.

SHOP THE TREND:

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Moschino)

Moschino's patchwork coat is full of charm and character.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Etro)

Paisley is definitely a print to look out for—here it is spliced together at Etro.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Marni)

I'd like to go to a Marni soirée very much, especially if these crafty, patchy knitwear pieces are what everyone's wearing.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Emilio Pucci)

We're here for printed patchwork, too. This pastel treat is from Emilio Pucci.

SHOP THE TREND:

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.