I stepped into the main entrance of Rho Fiera in Milan with little to no expectations of what was to come next as I took my seat at my first-ever runway fashion show. The realization that I was really in Milan for Fashion Week was starting to set in as I turned to my right and saw a swarm of cameras and bright lights begin to form around the wide stage. I turned the small perfume bottle over in my hand as the first model took to the stage.
The flick of a lighter and the burning of the model’s cigarette abruptly hushed the anxious crowd and it became clear that we were about to witness a display of fashion and art unlike anything we had ever seen before.
Fashion Weeks across the globe are some of the most important events to happen in the fashion world every year, serving as an opportunity for brands and designers to showcase their newest pieces, creating a captivating and immersive experience for anyone in attendance.
I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity, through both Ohio State and the Institute for the International Education of Students, to study abroad this semester and have spent the past month in Milan, Italy taking courses at the Milano Fashion School.
Through one of my styling courses, I was able to attend two runway shows during Milan’s Fashion Week, Which began on Feb. 20 and ended on Monday.
The first show I attended was from Rome-based designer Leonardo Valentini, who showcased his signature punk-inspired designs at Rho Fiera on Feb. 22. I was also able to attend Nigerian native Tokyo James’ runway show on Feb. 24.
Valentini’s hardcore punk brand is all about defying societal norms, which was clearly displayed in his Fall/Winter 2024/2025 collection, given the name “Barrato” after the 1979 song of the same name by Renato Zero.
The collection brought to the catwalk an elevated version of the punk aesthetic that included sheer fabrics, studs and lots of leather, while also continuing to emulate the sleek characteristics of the high fashion world.
The show began as the first model lit a cigarette, then carelessly tossed the lighter off stage as she began down the runway. Throughout the remainder of the show, the models strutted the runway while holding lit cigarettes, amplifying the rebellious roots of the designs and the brand.
On the other hand, James founded his brand in 2015 intending to produce simplistic apparel with an alternative edge, and he did just that in Milan this week, showcasing looks that incorporated sleek black dresses, quilted pantsuits, and white tool dress trains.
Before the models even took to the catwalk, the experience had already begun.
Walking into Milan’s historic Palazzo Visconti di Modrone, a 17th-century palace located in the city center in which the event was held, was an experience all its own.
I entered through the main doors and made my way up to a dramatic stone staircase lined with red velvet carpet, sitting gracefully under the ornately painted vaulted ceilings above me.
The neo-baroque style of architecture in the palace gave the audience the sense that they were viewing an exhibit rather than a runway, a feeling James was seemingly trying to mimic through both the venue and the clothing.
The monochromatic looks included in the collection involved layering, mainly with black heavy furs and leather jackets, and handbags that displayed James’ graphics and designs, elevating the edginess of the brand.
The final model of the show took to the stage hand-in-hand with a young girl, who looked to be no older than six years old, wearing an oversized t-shirt that read “People Love Tokyo James,” adding a welcome playfulness to the elegance of the show.
Although the focus of fashion week is attending the many runway shows, the experience goes far beyond the array of beautiful models that took to the stage.
For those living in Milan, known as one of the world’s most fashion-forward cities, Fashion Week is impossible to ignore.
Every window display that lines the historic streets captures a glimpse into the vivid stories within each of the brands they represent and no one leaves their house without dressing for the festivities.
Watching an entire city embrace the art that is fashion was a truly beautiful experience, one that I will look back on fondly, remembering the fashion-filled days I lost myself in.
