Milan's Fashion Bombshell: Armani and Prada Dazzle, Fendi and Gucci Sit Out!

Hold onto your stylish hats because Milan is about to explode with a fashion extravaganza like no other! Despite the luxury market's woes, the titans of Italian couture—Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Giorgio Armani—are strutting their stuff this Friday. But, surprise surprise, no Fendi or Gucci this time around; they're saving their mixed collections for the women's show in February!

Brace yourself for 16 killer live shows over the next five days—less than January's 22, but chock-full of glam from Italy's top designers and some fresh faces. Kicking things off is the innovative Pierre-Louis Mascia, known for turning collage into eye-popping prints! His style? Think Hermes with a funky twist—a must-see!

Now, why join the fashion frenzy in these tough times? Men's fashion sales are dropping to €11.4 billion, and that's after a 2024 nosedive. With a 5.3% drop in turnover across the board, the entire sector is looking a bit less shiny at €95.9 billion.

Blame it on droopy Chinese consumer confidence or soaring global prices. Luca Solca, a brainy analyst at Bernstein, pins it on a crumbled real estate market, making Chinese luxury lovers feel a tad broke. But hey, fashion shows are still a playfield for social media buzz and influencer frenzy!

Carlo Capasa, head honcho of the Italian Fashion Chamber, says it's all about unleashing creativity to spark up that shopping spree. The secret sauce, folks? Dream big and create even bigger!

Discover more at AFP.com. 🙌🏻