Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026: A Dazzling Display of Style

As Milan Fashion Week wraps up, the fashion world is abuzz with the latest trends showcased on the runways. This season has been nothing short of spectacular, featuring a blend of historical influences, modern elegance, and bold statements. From stunning dresses to immaculate tailoring, leather coats, and glorious handbags, the Spring/Summer 2026 women’s collections have captivated audiences and set the tone for the upcoming season.

1920s Chic

Maximilian Davis, the creative force behind Ferragamo, took a nostalgic journey back to the 1920s, presenting a vibrant collection that echoed the spirit of the speakeasy era. With chic suits and dresses characterized by dropped waists, low-slung backs, and long tassels, the collection also featured flashes of animal print. Davis noted, “It was a period when people were creating spaces for themselves and rebelling against societal norms, and that spirit translated into people’s wardrobes.”

Antonio Marras echoed this sentiment, envisioning literary icons like Virginia Woolf and D.H. Lawrence on holiday in Sardinia. His runway, adorned with piles of salt to mimic sandy beaches, showcased patterned frocks and suits, with models carrying sketchbooks, suitcases, and even violins, creating a whimsical yet sophisticated atmosphere.

Shirts and Stripes

Prada once again drew inspiration from military aesthetics, unveiling a collection filled with military-style jumpsuits and shirts layered under dresses with nipped-in waists and voluminous skirts. Long evening gloves added a touch of elegance to the ensemble.

Fendi presented a playful take on button-down shirt dresses and sheer blouses with tight collars, blending boyish charm with ladylike sophistication. At Tod’s, oversized striped shirts were paired with leather minis, while diagonal stripes adorned draped dresses and matching handbags in warm, natural tones.

Dario Vitale’s debut for Versace introduced bright striped trousers for both men and women, complemented by garish print shirts and day-glo tops worn under dark suits. The collection was described as “outrageous and uncomplicated elegance designed for a life led by feeling.” Dolce & Gabbana reimagined classic men’s striped pajamas, adding jewel details or pairing them with black lingerie, catering to a woman who seamlessly transitions between boudoir and city life.

Belts and Elastic

Throughout the week, a common theme emerged: fluid skirts and wide jacket shoulders were given definition through elastics and sportswear-inspired drawstrings. Fendi showcased this trend effectively, while Max Mara introduced black elastic to tighten the waist of floral printed coats and feather-like gowns made of organza. Designer Ian Griffiths aimed for a “modern, twangy, snappy element” to contrast delicate femininity, hinting at a fetishistic undertone.

Emporio Armani embraced kimono fastenings and floaty dresses, while Boss opted for thin leather belts and cummerbunds that provided definition to leather jackets, leaving the ends loose for a relaxed yet polished look.

All That Glitters

Milan is renowned for its opulent glamour, and this season was no exception. Roberto Cavalli’s “Gold Obsession” collection dazzled onlookers with a gold catwalk and figure-hugging dresses in rippling gold fabrics. Lead designer Fausto Puglisi drew inspiration from Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra, stating that gold was not merely a color but “an aesthetic vision: precious, bold, and contemporary.”

Demna’s debut for Gucci also embraced red carpet glamour, showcased in a short film featuring Demi Moore. The collection included extravagant faux fur coats worn as dresses, silver bodysuits, and stunning gowns, with tennis star Serena Williams gracing the runway, embodying the essence of high fashion.

Shrink and Shorten

Missoni’s collection boldly declared, “Everything gets shortened,” with models donning swim briefs, rolled-up shorts, and mini dresses that transformed into open-backed t-shirts. The slips were coordinated with tops in the brand’s signature bold patterns, often layered under tailored jackets, showcasing a daring yet stylish approach to summer wear.

Fendi and Tod’s also embraced this trend, with slips paired with sporty bombers and vibrant accessories, creating a playful yet chic aesthetic that resonates with the modern woman.

Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 has once again proven to be a melting pot of creativity, where designers push boundaries and redefine fashion norms. The collections reflect a rich tapestry of influences, ensuring that the upcoming season will be filled with style, elegance, and a touch of daring innovation.