Milan Fashion Week: White Dominates as Gucci and Tod's Showcase Artistry
Milan Fashion Week spotlights white ensembles and artisanal craftsmanship. Gucci's Sabato De Sarno presents "casual grandeur" while Tod's emphasizes handmade luxury, contrasting AI with traditional skills.
The Spring/Summer 2025 Milan Fashion Week, one of the "Big Four" global fashion events, has unveiled a striking trend: the prevalence of white ensembles opening numerous runway shows. This chromatic choice serves as a visual palate cleanser, setting the stage for the vibrant collections to follow.
Sabato De Sarno, in his second year at the helm of Gucci, presented a collection he termed "casual grandeur." The designer, who debuted his first Gucci line just a year ago, focused on tailoring, lingerie, leather, and 1960s-inspired silhouettes. The collection featured a range of looks, from simple white tanks paired with dark trousers to elaborate Gucci-monogrammed overcoats.
"Moment after moment, I have built my ideas for Gucci. A casual grandeur that takes shape through my obsessions ... and always with an irreverent attitude."
Key elements of the Gucci show included:
- Blouses with off-shoulder designs
- Sequined dresses
- Crepe dresses with bamboo-shaped hardware
- Mini-skirts with a slight bubble effect
- Floral headscarves and oversized sunhats
The front row at Gucci glittered with celebrities, including Academy Award winner Jessica Chastain, Kirsten Dunst of "Spider-Man" fame, "Bridgerton" star Nicola Coughlan, and Italian tennis sensation Jannik Sinner. K-pop fans eagerly awaited the arrival of Jin from BTS, showcasing the global appeal of the Italian luxury brand founded in 1921.
Meanwhile, Tod's took a different approach, emphasizing "artisanal intelligence" in contrast to the current AI buzz. The brand, known for its luxury shoes and leather goods since the 1970s, showcased craftspeople hand-stitching their iconic Gommino driving shoes at the event.
Matteo Tamburini, Tod's creative director, presented a Spring-Summer 2025 collection that began with crisp cotton ensembles and transitioned into soft leather pieces. The lineup included:
- Trousers and skirts paired with oversized shirts
- Fluid leather garments for warmer months
- Vintage-inspired leather overcoats
- Asymmetrical cuts and wraps for casual elegance
- Minimalist sandals and new versions of the Gommino shoe
The Tod's show emphasized the "Made in Italy" ethos, highlighting the country's renowned craftsmanship and attention to detail. This focus on traditional skills provides a compelling counterpoint to the increasing use of AI in fashion for trend forecasting and personalized shopping experiences.
As Milan Fashion Week continues, it's clear that while embracing innovation, the industry still values the human touch and artisanal expertise that have long been the hallmarks of Italian fashion.
