While the jury is still out on whether Italians do really do it better, their fashion week remains a stage of molto bene style. Milan Fashion Week Fall Winter 2020 was no exception, dishing up treats so delectable we were left salivating – even longing for winter

From searing colour to redefine leather, we unpack the Milan Fashion Week that was with our style musings from the week.

Fendi’s heavenly form
We don’t like to play favourites, but we will, for the sake of this story. Fendi, with its satiny ballet pink palette, bibbed organdie blouses, bonded leather, seraphic corsetry, sculptural sleeves, purposefully open top-handle totes and puffy padded dresses, had us all weepy. An utterly divine collection that explored the duality of women; both tough and tender.

 

Bowling bags are back
Thanks to Prada, and its slew of Instagram-ready IT-girls, the bowling bag staged its fashionable comeback, this time with contrast trim and shoulder strap.

 

Bottega’s new direction
Daniel Lee pulled back the pouch and mule showing impressive restraint for Bottega Veneta Fall Winter 2020, offering a deeply directional collection for the true style savant. Further proof here’s here for the long haul.

 

Head to the shredder
Fringing, shirring, tasseling – basically any kind of shredded fabrication – was the big trend to come out of Milan. A collective movement by Prada, Bottega Veneta and Fendi, winter 2020 will see you on the fringe of fashion.

Lime green to be seen
Milan has never been afraid of colour, but this season saw citrus splices of zingy green in lime, kiwi and chartreuse at Versace, Bottega Veneta and Emilio Pucci, which splashed out in form of lacy cobweb tights.

 

Cinched waists
Trust the Italians to give weight to womanly form, as tailoring was suitably cinched with belts at Versace, Prada, Max Mara and Fendi. Even pillowy puffer got the cinch at Tod’s, revealing unexpected hourglass silhouettes. Like sands of the hourglass, this is the fashion of our 2020 lives.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Kaia Gerber walks the runway during the Versace fashion show as part of Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2020-2021 on February 21, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jacopo Raule/WireImage)

 

The long and short of leather
What would a winter fall season be without leather? For 2020, however, leather saw the long and the short of it with new-era iterations. The leather stars? The glossy brick red overall dress at Tod’s, cutaway harness at Sportmax and that Fendi coat on Bella Hadid.

 

Bag charms are the new micro bag
We’re calling it, this is 2020 update of the mini bag. Belts have never been so charming.

 

Patch it up
Patchwork starred at Missoni and Etro, but it was Marni’s take which was particuary profound; the entire collection a sustainable feast of recycled fabric collaged with beauty.

The gloves are off
If there’s one accessory to try this winter, it’s a dramatic opera glove. Sportmax and Fendi and all made a case for long-line gloves. It’s the epitome of chic, no?