Milan Fashion Week SS22: The top trends to note

Sex, fun and sun

Image: Getty Images

Left to right credit: Jil Sander, Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo

Queen of the (concrete) jungle

From multicoloured zebra stripes on blazers and skirts to head-to-toe looks in tiger, cheetah and ocelot, the animal print trend was a mainstay in Milan in the nature of true fashion maximalism. Leopard prints were big during AW21 but the whole animal kingdom is out for spring to command fierce attention.

Left to right credit: Tod's, Alberta Ferretti, GCDS

Can we crotchet?

Craftcore continued its rounds in Milan via chic, all-over ensembles that include plenty of flowing fringing in different styles. Crotchet has always been a summer classic but designers highlighted the homespun technique in inventive ways for the next season, with some leaning into traditional folk aesthetics, while others discovered modern treatments.

Left to right credit: Max Mara, Bluemarine, Genny

Doubled-down denim

Y2K hits again with the arrival of denim-on-denim looks on the runways. Designers took note of our penchant for comfy, casual wear during the pandemic and delivered jeans in a variety of shades in loose-fitted styles––from indigo denim in boxy co-ords and trench coats to baggy, butterfly-decorated ensembles and effortless, all-in-one jumpsuits.

Left to right credit: Versace, MSGM, Sportmax

Highlighter hues

It seems that the return of higher temperatures calls for blinding, glow-in-the-dark color trends as there were plenty of major neon moments on the runway. Fluoroscent and acid hues may have been big in the '80s but standout, statement-making colour have proven to be versatile and exude confidence by elevating any outfit from drab to fab.

Left to right credit: Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Fendi by Versace, Hui

Disco divas

Sequins, sparkles and all-out glamour returned to reflect the heady night-outs of the '70s. From neon chain-mail to two-piece minis and patterned glitter in floor-grazing elegance, Milan had come down with a serious case of disco fever. The only thing to know is that when things really do open up again, we'll be spoilt of choices in new-age clubwear.

Left to right credit: Boss, Onitsuka Tiger, Giorgio Armani

Elevated athletes

Drawing from the fitnesswear boom of recent years, pieces with a nod to athleisure were seen on the catlwalks. From luxe, silky tracksuits to dressed-up anoraks with sequined flared pants, sports-inspired styles and technical fabrics were employed in a wide variety of renditions to add comfort and practicality to any occassion.

Left to right credit: Missoni, Prada, Act n°1

Trailing trains

Sweeping trains often only travel on red carpets, but designers made the case for more drama in our day-to-day with extra long hems on micro tops, sweet minis and even belted coats. Synonymous with old-Hollywood glamour and seduction, elegant trains were reduced to simpler gesture of fabrics in the back on short styles to draw attention to the bareness of legs, while adding a touch of high-fashion drama.

Left to right credit: Emilio Pucci, Marco Rambali, Etro

No halting here

What's more Y2K than halter tops? The aesthetic of the early aughts have reached a fever pitch and aiding its comeback are sexy, going-out styles that express the freedom of mobility. The new wave of halter necklines arrive in every iteration available, from twisted crop tops to strappy, flowing dresses and even in the shape of a heart.