Milan Fashion Week started today: the programme includes over 70 fashion shows, 90 presentations and 31 events, running through to Monday 26 September and showcasing all the latest Women’s collections for Spring / Summer 2017. The catwalks began this morning with Italian brand Grinko and newcomer Wunderkind. Making their appearance today, amongst others, Gucci, Fay and Philipp Plein. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has even made an appearance at the Fashion Week, cutting the ribbon to open the “Crafting the Future” exhibition: stories of craftsmanship and innovation” presented by the National Chamber of Italian Fashion (CNMI) at the MUDEC museum. This year’s Fashion Week comes at a time when the Italian fashion industry is slowing. According to CNMI forecasts, the end of 2016 will see just a 1.4% increase in turnover on the previous year, while for 2014 and 2015 the growth rate was 2.8% and 2.4% respectively. Although during the first six months turnover experienced a positive snap between the first and second quarter, moving from an initial passive start to +3.8% from April to June, exports are now seeing their greatest slowdown, with a growth rate contained at 0.9%. Back to the catwalks, on the programme for tomorrow are Max Mara, Luisa Beccaria, Genny and Fendi, who will then pass the baton to Prada, Moschino and Emilio Pucci. Special events will include the celebration of Bottega Veneta’s 50th anniversary and 15 years of creative director Thomas Maier with a fashion show at the Brera Academy. (mvg/rp)
Milano Moda Donna is underway: over 70 catwalks, Matteo Renzi cutting the ribbon
