It is an absolutely incredible feeling, almost like I’ve been away on a long journey.
These few days at the Milan Fashion week have just stormed by filled as they were with astonishing encounters and the latest fashion trends.
Colourful images follow each other in quick succession like in a film strip that I run over and over again in my mind.
For the last seven days Milan became the most fashionable city in the world. Everything that happens during the fashion week may look like an amazing fairy tale come to life, but this fairy tale is a result of meticulous, carefully planned and orchestrated work.
Fashion Week is like a non-stop carnival, but instead of the carnival costumes and venetian masks, it’s the kingdom of ultramodern or even futuristic looks.
I was expecting that Milan would entice big crowds, but I could not even imagine the scale of it.
Photographers flashing their cameras, people speaking different languages.
Dainty models fluttering from one show to another looking extremely slim, I’d say they look exhausted. During the fashion week they are working from before the sun comes up until long after it goes down. There is always a mad dash to get to the next show on time. They can do up to 5-10 shows a day. As glamorous and exciting as it can look from the outside, being a model is a lot of hard work and dedication.
Celebrities inundate the streets of Milan, and their concentration per square meter is just overwhelming.
I’ve seen so many of them – world number one blogger Chiara Ferragni with her husband Fedez, gorgeous Julianne Moore, handsome Armie Hammer, fashion industry goddess Anna Wintour, pop-idol Rita Ora, stunning Vincent Cassel, bloggers such as Linda Tol, Leonie Hanne, Tamu Mcpherson and many others.
Celebrities are being constantly photographed. You can feel how physically exhausting it is for them, but they stay strong, this is their moment, their job.
On top of it all, according to unstated agreement of the fashion world, dress code for the summer fashion week is winter/autumn collection, with the thermometer reaching the high of 31 degrees Celsius in Milan!
All the fashionistas were just sweltering in their warm clothes.
In February it will be the opposite. Best summer looks will flood the street in winter when it is cold and windy outside. This has long become the reality, the price to pay to be part of the game called “fashion”.
I “was taking out” my new black wool and camel Balenciaga sweater, white fur coat and trendy leather culottes, personal look being your best asset!
I felt like a real celebrity too!
Hundreds of photographers at fashion shows or just in the street were asking me to pose. Paparazzi were surrounding me and the clicking of cameras was heard everywhere.
It was so unexpected, I was a little bit taken aback at first, but gradually got used to it and completely enjoyed the experience. Now you’ll be able to see a familiar face in MFW street style photos ?.
The audience differs from one show to another, for instance Salvatore Ferragamo and Dolce&Gabbana fashion shows are mainly attended by elegant dressed in a classic fashion ladies, Iceberg and A.F.Vandervorst on the other hand attract the millennials.
On average there are 15-17 shows per day, and they are almost impossible to attend if you do not have connections in the industry.
This time I had the privilege to attend a few shows.
I am still mesmerised by the phenomenal looks created by Iceberg seen from the front row.
Fashion triumphant reigns over all of Milan, one of a kind looks and styles spill from the catwalks and onto the streets were its all about diversity and bright colours. The coolest, most popular, ultramodern trends are without a doubt leopard print, huge sneakers in combination with anything and everything. Of course its Balenciaga that runs the show – the password, secret code and vip ticket to the modern world of fashion.
After a week here in the high stakes world of fashion, my lasting impression would be EXTRAVAGANZA! A feast for the eyes and a look into the future.