It’s that time of year again: fashion month is fast approaching, set to kick off tomorrow in Milan. However, after a triumphant return to in-person showings at the previous fashion month, many were hoping to be back on the catwalk for good.
Unfortunately, Covid has reared its ugly head again and is wreaking havoc for the upcoming proceedings, with brands such as JW Anderson and Giorgio Armarni already announcing the cancellation of their physical shows for men’s fashion week. Interestingly, it seems couture is immune – the week of couture shows in Paris is widely still going ahead physically, with 16 shows on the schedule at the time of writing.
As for the womenswear calendar, which is set to begin in February in New York, things are largely still up in the air. We can expect to see a similar hybrid approach to presentations though, if menswear is anything to go by. In December, London announced that their showings will be merged: an assumption the industry has been working to for some time. We’re running through some of the moments from major brands which are not to be missed from the next two weeks: start your engines, and grab a coffee – fashion month is about to begin.
MILAN MEN’S
Fendi – 15 Jan
Fendi had a big one last time around, opening Milan’s fashion week with a Studio 54 inspired disco collection, as well as joining forces with Versace for the collaborative collection Fendace – fashion’s worst kept secret. With big shoes to fill, we’re excited to see what Fendi comes up with on Saturday.
Prada – 16 Jan
Data has shown that Prada is the most anticipated show of Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week, with the brand coming out on top in follower count, web traffic and Google search rank. With the creative forces of Miuccia and Raf at the helm and showing in what’s largely described as the fashion capital of the world, we’re expecting big things, and hoping that their efforts have been concentrated on this rather than the recent Pradidas capsule that just fell short of the mark.
A-COLD-WALL* – 18 Jan
Samuel Ross had a big 2021, continuing to merge British sensibilities with updated streetwear narratives, as well as collaborating with Dr.Martens on a pair of translucent soled shoes. We’re eagerly awaiting the brand’s presentation in Milan, set to take place on 18 January.
PARIS MEN’S
Acne Studios – 19 Jan
Showing digitally this time around, Acne Studios are always ones to look to for sleek tailoring, draped silhouettes and unusual knits. Watch this space for what we expect to be a strong start to proceedings in Paris.
Louis Vuitton – 20 Jan
Paris and Louis Vuitton, the most iconic duo since bread and butter. The brand hasn’t locked down its plans for a presentation yet, adding to the intrigue. As the first collection after creative director and visionary Virgil Abloh’s tragic passing, all eyes will be on LV this season. Whatever the format, we can expect big things from the heritage house – there is no Paris fashion week without Louis Vuitton.
Rick Owens – 20 Jan
Pre-book your ubers, as Rick Owens is showing right after LV in Paris this year. There’s not much to say about this one – the girls that get it, get it. The girls that don’t, don’t.
VTMNTS – 21 Jan
With Guram Gvasalia now officially the creative director of VTMNTS, it will be interesting to see what (if anything) has changed. VTMNTS last gave us a money-inspired collection that could have been straight out of a Balenciaga lookbook… are the brothers in cahoots?
Casablanca – 22 Jan
After starting the year by being spotted on Jeff Bezos, (no, that’s not a typo) Casablanca are taking to Paris on the 22nd. If its track record is anything to go by, we can expect colour, bold prints and a stealthy injection of ‘cool’ into the week’s proceedings. That’s if they can shake the image of Bezos on NYE.
Kenzo – 23 Jan
Talking of debuts, we’re ready to see what Nigo has to offer with Kenzo this season. Bringing his expertise in the streetwear world to a luxury label, Nigo has been predicted to revolutionise the brand. We’ll be watching on the 23rd!
Wales Bonner – 23 Jan
Rounding out Paris Men’s fashion week is Wales Bonner – the brand who’s knitted tracksuits were on the top of everyone’s wish-lists last year. Presenting digitally as part of the PFW schedule, we’re excited to see what will be topping the lists for this year!
PARIS COUTURE
Schiaparelli – 24 Jan
One of the most talked about brands of last year, thanks to its host of viral, red carpet moments, Schiaparelli is taking to Paris on the 24th. Expect gold hardware, dramatic silhouettes, and no doubt, an A-list audience scoping out what they can nab for their next premiere appearance.
Jean Paul Gaultier – 26 Jan
Jean Paul Gaultier gave us one of our favourite looks from the Alber Elbaz tribute show last fashion week, which saw 45 designers pay homage to the late great fashion designer. Giving us a couture, 3D heart dress with moving parts, we were reminded of JPG’s status as an iconic French house, and will be eagerly anticipating the next helping of haute.
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