brandidentity

A focus on brand identity at MFW FW25/26

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Milano Fashion Week: codes above all else


Most luxury brands at Milano Fashion Week Fall-Winter25/26 placed a strong focus on brand identity—their unique DNA. In other words, they highlighted what defines them and sets them apart.

So, from Prada to Moschino, MM6, Marras, and Dolce & Gabbana, the emphasis on preserving a distinct identity emerged as the path to follow.

A few notes on MFW FW25/26: focus on brand identity


Antonio Marras: The designer has always remained true to his style. This season, he crafted a poetic narrative intertwined with the music of the past, drawing inspiration from the 1892 opera La Bella di Alghero. The result was a runway with a strong territorial identity. (Watch the show here).

MM6: The brand played with scale and proportions, shifting from small to oversized. This approach was particularly evident in their reinterpretation of iconic pieces like trench coats, jackets, dresses, and T-shirts. The collection felt more authentic to MM6’s essence—something we recognised, having loved and selected this concept for our boutique in the past. (Watch the show here).

Moschino: Creative director Adrian Appiolaza delved deep into the brand’s archives and stylistic codes, reviving the messages cherished by Franco Moschino. Foremost among them is a call to action on the climate crisis, alongside bold tailoring, deconstructed silhouettes, and surreal details. (Watch the show here).

Dolce & Gabbana: Models stepped out of the Metropol theatre and onto the streets, turning the show into a dynamic celebration. The “cool girls” aesthetic reinterpreted the brand’s classics with a sexy cargo twist, blending attitude with signature sensuality. (watch the show here).

Prada: Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons explored the question, “What is femininity today?” and challenged conventional perceptions of beauty and gender identity. An approach we found particularly compelling, tracing an idea of style rich in contrasts. In the social media era, where people retreat into the illusion of perfection, Prada instead works to uglify the homogenising effect of a flattening culture—one that most people succumb to, numbed to the point of passivity, lacking even the impulse to escape or seek alternatives. (Watch the show here).

What can we learn from the FW25/26 Prada fashion show?

  • Contemporary femininity: A blend of vintage reimagined through a modern lens. Take a 1960s shift dress, make it oversized, and you get a fresh take on women’s style.
  • Freedom of movement: The collection is rich in oversized silhouettes, flowing gently over the body and allowing for natural movement.
  • Sizes are relative: Size no longer holds the same importance; it’s relative. In fact, what truly matters is how a dress flows on your body and how you choose to wear it—with a belt, a mannish shirt, or over a pair of jeans.

Final thoughts on MFW FW25/26


In conclusion, at Milano Fashion Week Fall-Winter 25/26, most luxury brands placed a strong emphasis on brand identity, with many creative directors diving into archives to honour their brand’s core DNA.

Ultimately, Prada’s exploration of contemporary femininity offered a vision of modern style. In a game of contrasts—between masculine and feminine—it all comes down to how you choose to wear your clothes. That, after all, is the essence of style: an invitation to freedom, clothes to explore rather than limit.

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Identity and Ethics

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Peering behind the veil of the fashion industry


When it comes to identity, the spotlight often shifts away from ethics. That seems especially evident during the Milano Fashion Week.

The recent emphasis on rediscovering lost brand identities amid transitions between creative directors is appreciable. Instead of merely chasing trends and pushing boundaries to the point of absurdity, there’s a noticeable return to celebrating heritage and the unique DNA of fashion houses. However, amidst this shift, one can’t help but question the credibility of companies that have previously indulged in such superficial games.

The discrepancy between image and reality at MFW


The day before the conclusion of Milan Fashion Week, a revealing program titled “Indovina chi viene a cena” (Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner) aired on Rai3 (you can watch it here). The journalist Sabrina Giannini and her colleague shed light on the stark reality behind sustainability claims in the fashion industry. It became evident that the more brands flaunt their sustainable slogans, the less sustainable their practices proved to be. Sustainability is 90% greenwashing! This disillusionment extends beyond just material choices and production processes. In fact, it delves into the exploitation of cheap labour through outsourcing. A practice that starkly contrasts with the Italian craftsmanship ethos.

Fashion industry, identity and ethics


While these issues aren’t new to those who follow fashion’s undercurrents, the program highlighted some uncomfortable truths. Particularly striking was the response of the influencers when questioned about their awareness of designers’ materials and sustainable practices. Their dismissive reactions have underscored a glaring disconnection between the industry’s rhetoric and its actual impact. Specifically, these girls giggled or ran away, having no means to participate in a more than necessary discussion. By the way, does the fashion industry need these kinds of people? Really? Is this what the fashion industry is about?

Furthermore, Sabrina Giannini attempted to engage with designers and fashion houses on these pressing matters. What response did they get? Silence and indifference. Despite sustainability being touted as a pivotal theme in fashion, the lack of willingness from brands to engage in open dialogue is concerning. Indeed, it raises questions about the industry’s true commitment to ethical principles beyond mere lip service.

If the aim was to reveal the stark misalignment between the industry’s professed values and its actions, then the brands, with their silence, have succeeded!

Ethics, respect for work, workers’ rights, impact on the planet. All fall under the sustainability hat. But the fashion industry is not interested in that. Dear designers, refusing to open your doors, you have succeeded in unveiling your true faces.

Ultimately, Milano Fashion Week was all about identities. But clearly, no one cares about ethics!

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