This was my first Milan Fashion Week, and as such, everything felt particularly extraordinary. From the shows to the culture and, of course, the food (more on that to come), each hour felt like there was something exciting and unexpected around the corner. Yet, there was also a familiarity that comes with attending fashion weeks for years now—every fashion week offers shows and re-sees, late dinners, and quick coffee chats. But somehow, Milan continued to surprise and delight me. It didn't feel rinse and repeat. Rather, the city, the designers, and the attendees brought on a buzzing energy that powered me throughout the day-to-day.
Ahead, I bring you along for the journey—no details spared.
Monday, September 21
I arrived in Milan around 11am and headed straight to my home for the next three days: the AC Milano Hotel. I showered, unpacked, ordered myself a nice coffee, and was ready to take on the day. My nails chipped on my travel day so I got a refresh at a salon nearby, took a few meetings on my laptop, and grabbed dinner with our EIC Faith Xue at a restaurant nearby. It was the perfect way to ease into the fashion week madness.
Tuesday, September 22
I woke up feeling refreshed on Tuesday, and tackled some laptop work before getting dressed for my first show of the season: Glenn Martens' final Diesel show. As you may have already seen on social media, the show turned into a sex club—and honestly, was a great introduction to the unexpectedness of Milan Fashion Week. The "attendee" next to me began kissing other "attendees" next to her while moans played loudly on the speakers and the collection became raunchier. As Kim Petras told us after the show, "everyone is feeling horny!"
After the show, we went back to the hotel for a quick refresh and then headed over to the Off-White offices to film our Clothes Call series with Olandria. We filmed her fitting for the brand's 10x10 Celebration with the help of her stylists The Reismans. The three of them could not have been sweeter, and getting to see the behind-the-scenes process is something worth checking out. Faith and I grabbed a late dinner at Da Bolognese, where our night cap was a shared tiramisu.
Wednesday, September 23
Wednesday was one of the busiest for me at MFW, with the day starting at Jil Sander. I was giddy for this show as everyone in Milan was buzzing about it days before. And it lived up to the hype. In the brand's showroom, attendees packed in to see the collection filled with crinkled fabrics, pastel hues, and billowing silhouettes. It may be my favorite collection of the season—will report back after Paris.
After Jil Sander, we dashed over to the Antonio Marras show in Giardino Vincenzo Muccioli. There, models strutted through a dinner party scene, and the show ended up with a dramatic reunion of a bride and groom. The drama was captivating!
After, we headed over to the Ralph Lauren re-see at Palazzo Ralph Lauren, where we got to see the SS27 collection up close and personal. The embellished detailing and fur-trimmed pieces were even more special in person—I haven't stopped thinking about the gold top.
As the sun set, I landed at the Brunello Cucinelli preview, where I was immersed in Cucinelli's world of Italian elegance. Then, I popped over to the celebration of The Frankie Shop's store opening. I had worked up an appetite, and luckily we had a reservation at Gloria Osteria Milano with the fabulous KCD team.
Thursday, September 24
Thursday was another jampacked day, with everything on the agenda more exciting than the next. The morning started with my first Max Mara show, and it didn't disappoint. From the grandiose Palazzo del Ghiaccio to the elegant everyday garments that walked, it was an unforgettable show. Plus, there was a Gossip Girl reunion in the front row, and it warmed my 2000s-nostalgia heart.
After Max Mara, we got to see the Jil Sander and Prada collections up close for back to back re-see appointments. And for both, the up-close details made the collections two of my favorites from the season. I can't stop thinking about the bra tops at Prada: should I get one? Would I be able to rock it?
After the re-sees, Faith and I brought our luggage over to our Airbnb in the Duomo area. We immediately loved it, grabbing a coffee and sipping it on our balcony that over looked the Duomo! From there, I headed over to backstage at Roberto Cavalli, where Y2K was everywhere. Leopard print, exposed thongs, extra high heels were spotted on all the models, along with messy, post-sex hair and glimmering eyeshadow. I was all in! Shortly after, I watched them walk the runway—it was all sex, partying, and grunge.
The evening ended with a stroll through the Emporio Armani presentation, where I clocked a sequined cummerbund and haven't been the same. Then, Faith and I headed over to Don Carlos for dinner, where we wined and dined with an elegant many-course meal. The intimate restaurant (only 8 tables) offered us a range of traditional Italian cuisine and unexpected options: from tortellini in broth to a sea bass Wellington.
Friday, September 25
Friday began at the Tod's show, where I chatted with Kelly Rutherford and Diane Kruger before taking my seat. The SS27 collection offered a mix of sexy swimwear and wearable leather garments—a combination I didn't know I needed until I saw it walk down the runway.
After Tod's, I popped over to film a Show Day diary with Ivy Getty for the Blumarine show. Upon arrival, we ran into Olandria, who was slaying in her bodysuit and oversized scarf. The collection was filled with joy and playfulness—and many furry heels, which I immediately sent to some of my bride-to-be friends for inspiration.
From the back-to-back shows, I thought I deserved a little reward! So, I popped over to the gelateria by our Airbnb and ate it on our balcony. The sugar fueled me up for the final show of the day: The Attico. The show, like so many in Milan, put sex appeal in the spotlight. Guests were even seated on beds to lean into that intimate feeling.
The evening ended with—dare I say—my favorite dinner in Milan: Da Giacomo. The food and vibes were immaculate!
Saturday, September 26
During Fashion Month, there's no rest on the weekends! Rather, the day started bright and early backstage at Ferragamo with 111Skin before taking a seat at the show. What I loved about the Ferragamo show was the incredible range of the collection: some leather, some latex, some sheer, and some sequined. The accessories were the cherries on top.
From Ferragamo, Faith and I popped over to the Dsquared2 showroom, and got a surprise glimpse at Britiny! Truly, so obsessed with them. After that, we wanted to treat ourselves to an Italian lunch, so we grabbed a table at Casa Fiori Chiari. Little did we know that it'd be the best pizza and pasta we'd ever had?! With full stomachs, we spent the rest of the day exploring Milan and working a bit while NYC was awake. The evening ended with a fabulous dinner at Da Niko in the Bulgari Hotel, where we sipped peppermint tea from stunning Bulgari homeware.
Sunday, September 27
Sunday was a day I had been looking forward to all week—I'd get to see Gucci and Ferragamo up close and personal. And neither disappointed. At Gucci, I couldn't get enough of the shoes; the red ones pictured above are on my must-have list for 2027. At Ferragamo, it was the satin east-west hug bags that truly captivated me. I'm giving Demna and Maximillian Davis A+s on all fronts.
After a day filled with re-sees and yapping, we relaxed at the Irene Forte Spa at the Carlton Hotel. To my pleasant surprise, it was one of the most relaxing massages I've had to date. The body oils had such a beautiful, calming scent and my masseuse took extra care of my feet after a long week in heels. It was the perfect ending to a week in Milan—off the Paris!