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Milan Fashion Week: Fashion Designers to watch & Spring Summer 2023 Trends by A Stylish Story

Milan fashion week is a biannual event that takes place between January-February and then again in September-October each year. MFW occurs in the third week of Fashion Month. The fashion month of madness always opens in New York, heads then to London, next to Milan, and finally wraps up in Paris.

The Milan Fashion Week is organized by the National Chamber of Italian Fashion, Milano Moda Donna, and is one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year.

Industry insiders, VIPs, and the press all flock to the Italian fashion capital to attend exclusive events, runway shows, and fashion presentations. This said, if you happen to be in Milan city at the time of the event, there is a Fashion Hub that is open to the public, which means you can still experience the artistic and fashionable ingenuity of MFW.

Milan Fashion Week

Italians are known for their style, craftsmanship and ability to combine clothes to look impeccably chic. Famous Italian fashion brands include Prada, Loro Piana, Tods, Gucci, Alberta Ferretti, MaxMara, Fendi, Bottega Veneta and Schiaparelli. Prints and textiles are also incredibly important emblems of Italian heritage. Luxury Italian fashion brands known for this include MISSONI, Pucci and Versace.

Milan Fashion Week: ones to watch

Of course, the big names are very exciting and generate a lot of buzz and press coverage. There are also smaller and lesser-known fashion brands that present their collections. With this in mind, here is a quick breakdown of the emerging designers at Milan Fashion Week with innovation and forward-thinking fashion lines to keep an eye on: 

DHRUV KAPOOR

DHRUV KAPOOR the dreamer presentation: This Prêt-à-Porter line was founded by the Indian fashion designer Dhruv Kapoor. Think mesh sets, floor skimming flared sheer trousers and graphic, oversized athletic pieces. My favorite aspect of the new Spring Summer 2023 collection were the circular, crystal-embellished top handle mini bags.

YUME YUME

YUME YUME means “dream” in Japanese. Just like its name, the Dutch brand, founded in 2018 by Eva Korsten and Dave Hendriks present at Milan Fashion Week, offers shoes with a style that are at the same time futuristic and inspired by Japanese traditions. What is truly innovative about their footwear, is that they feature insoles and outsoles made entirely of reused materials such as recycled nylon and rubber or samples of unused products. With an environmentally conscious framework, YUME YUME uses its traditional craftsmanship to ensure sustainability in an innovative manner.

SHUTING QIU

SHUTING QIU – AS A BUTTERFLY CHASING THE SUN. Fashion forward and fun: A complex contradiction in each piece with bold prints combined with softer touches of ruffles and tulle. Colour, textures, and print combinations are all combined in a feminine yet sporty manner. Each piece in the collection is worthy of a conversation with dramatic silhouettes that stand out.

Fashion Fun Fact: The designer has collaborated with Uggs changing the soles and adding hand-sewn sequins in her capsule collection. So her work stretches to footwear as well as fashion.

What to Wear in Milan during Fashion Week?

Of course, Italy is slightly warmer and milder than its other two European counterparts where Fashion Week takes place. Paris and London are freezing and rainy by comparison and you really have to plan your outfits in terms of warmth and comfort if you want to survive there. This means that in Milan, during Fashion Week you can get away with fewer layers and really rock out the latest trends you’ve been itching to try on. In terms of Street Style, you do not need to wait for Milan Fashion Week to get inspired in the city. Simply sit outside a coffee shop in a busy street and sip an espresso whilst watching the incredibly stylish Italians trot past each one oozing more class than the last. This said Milan Street Style Trends that will be making some noise this season include:

What to Wear in Milan during Fashion Week?
  • Noughties nostalgia: 90s Grunge, think Kate Moss meets the Matrix. Everything that made the 90s what they were: Latex leather, cutouts, thin straps, platform sandals, chokers, With this trend, the return of the cool girl is well and truly here.
  • Gilded glamour: sequins, rhinestones and feathers on everything. Euphoria eye makeup is the easiest way to adopt this trend. I tried and loved it personally but “il faut oser !” You might look like your crying glitter tears but that’s the idea. It is such a fun look for an evening fashion event for example.
  • Child’s Play & Y2K are here to stay: Barrette clips, baby blue eyeshadow, lipgloss and plastic jewelry are the easiest way to hop on this trend. Think Moschino fruits, low waist jeans and cartoons – this childhood daydream is what makes this playful trend so easy to adopt.
  • Gucci Grandma: I am not sure how I can name this trend, basically imagine an incredibly stylish grandma who rocks her designer oversized glasses, costume jewelry, and couture on a daily basis. Think lacy frills, chiffon with sequins, prints on prints, ruffles, pearls, and chunky gold with gelato hues.
  • Fashion Faux Pas Made Mainstream: Lastly (and possibly most questionably) Pants paired with dresses, visible lingerie, socks with sandals – essentially all the fashion rules you can imagine, break them. In my days at art school they actually had a themed party exactly in line with this trend (talk about avant-garde!). This anti-fashion fashion in certain circumstances, can be just the look you need.

Who to follow on Social Media during fashion week

Even if you are not able to attend Fashion Week, in this digital era you can happily hop onto your preferred social media outlet and enjoy the digital version of the show. Both TikTok and Instagram are official Fashion Week partners. Many of the Fashion Houses also host live runway streaming sessions. So you can tune in no matter where you are in the world.

There are also all the behind the scenes and street styles which are fun to look at. Here are the top bloggers and fashion accounts to follow:

Who to follow on Instagram During Fashion Week

Fashion Month
New York Fashion Week
Milan Fashion Week
Paris Fashion Week

A Stylish Story pro tips for Fashion Week:

Want to know how to survive fashion month? No stranger to fashion shows, I have worked at Paris Fashion Week, and Couture Week, illustrated live at fashion shows, captured runway looks in the fashion pit as a fashion photographer and attended my fair share of fashion shows around the world as a member of the press, as an art director and a fashion influencer. With that in mind, here’s my two cents if you are headed to fashion week and want some prepping tips:

  • Mini miracles: always have a small mirror compact, a flat comb, your favourite lip product and a hair pin or two handy (easy to add into all your handbags and pretty useful for a quick pic op)
  • The holy grail: A phone charger, because there is nothing more heartbreaking than being at a show with a dead phone. This has happened to me one too many times!
  • Stomping ground: if you absolutely want to wear heels then opt for heeled boots with chunky heels, platforms also support well – you’ll thank me later.
  • Power pack: protein bars, a mini water bottle and chewing gum are going to be your best friends along with a ton of coffee.
  • Logo mania is dead: You would be very much mistaken if you’re planning to wear head to toe designer logos. Unless you are representing a designer, the majority of fashion week people wear unbranded, edgy looks rather than plastering themselves with visible logos. It’s much more of a “if you know, you know” vibe so definitely look at the design quality of what you choose to wear and avoid looking like a walking billboard for a brand.
  • Take your pills: Daflon is going to be your lifeline along with magnesium tablets in the evening.

The Future of Fashion & Italian Designers:

Last but not least, I wanted to touch upon what is next for the Fashion Industry, in particular for Italian fashion designers. With the steady shift linked to digital trends as well as interesting advancements have been adopted by some of Italy’s most loved fashion designers, such as augmented reality collections and fashion gamification.

Fashion and Web3: the Metaverse at Fashion Week

In March there was the first ever Metaverse Fashion Week and it featured luxury brands, household names and digital-native designers. The early adopters include the Italian Fashion designer Dolce & Gabbana who launched a bespoke collection of 20 looks of Metaverse wearable pieces. This season Dolce & Gabbana’s muse consisted of the the ultimate internet celebrity, the OG of social media influencers: Kim Kardashian. Other notable designers with a Metaverse presence include Hugo Boss, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Balenciaga. The latest addition to this list includes Vogue Business that launched their Metaverse Atelier on the 22 of September 2022. A members-only event which brings you behind the scenes and up close to view fashion at its finest.

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A Luxury Wellness Retreat in the Italian Countryside at Borgo di Luce – I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA in Sicily

Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA by MIRA Hotels

One of the most charming hotel resorts in the South-East of Sicily 2022: Borgo di Luce – I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA

About The Location

In mid-June, I went for the first time ever to a beautiful and historic island in the south of Italy. Sicily is in fact the biggest Italian Island. Sicily is famous for its beautiful cathedrals, lemon groves, vineyards, island beaches, and amazing architecture. Indeed, two of the most known landmarks are the Palermo Opera House and UNESCO Baroque church in Noto. Noto was quite close to where I stayed, and we went to visit this Sicilian city which is famous for its rich historical architectural heritage. Indeed, Noto has been hailed by Condé Nast Traveller as Sicily’s Hidden Gem.

Why so? Well, it is known as Sicily’s Capital of Baroque. Each and every building structure has its own unique and intricate design lavish churches, private palaces, and public buildings are all beautifully built. It is a true dream for those who love that époque as well as a good plate of pasta.

Sicily is also famous for those who love a good hike. It has super trekking routes, with the legendary Mount Etna Volcano being one of the most popular places to go. There are also incredible archeological and historical sites like the Valley of the Temples, the Segesta Temple, and the Baroque town of Noto.

This rich heritage is because Sicily has been home to many ancient civilizations: from the Greeks to the Romans and the Ottoman Empire, this island in the Mediterranean Sea was a real melting pot of history and culture. So needless to say, Sicily had been on my list of places to go for quite some time and I was delighted to be able to visit Italy once again this summer. During my stay, I was hosted by the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa which is a 5-star hotel just between Syracuse and Noto.

Getting to­ Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA – and Beyond It

There are two main airports in Sicily: Palermo and Catania. I recommend flying into Catania as it is just over an hour from the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA. For this, you can either rent a car or organize a transfer which is super easy to do from the airport. I opted for a private transfer (SunTransfers was the name of the company), as I had used it beforehand when traveling in Saint Tropez, so I knew it was trustworthy and efficient. I made sure to do the whole coordination before flying, especially as my flight was at an ungodly hour, so I would not need to think too hard about how, when, where, and what not once I landed in Sicily.

Located in the south-eastern part of Sicily, you will find Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort, nestled just 12 km from the sea. It is situated between 2 beautiful and historically rich cities: Siracusa (or Syracuse) and Noto.

Mira’s Borgo di Luce – I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA is in a rural area. Surrounded by citrus orchards and olive trees, this Golf Resort is one of the top picks when it comes to looking for the best luxury hotels in Sicily.

After a little over an hour of driving through the beautiful Italian countryside, we passed through a neat row of trees that lined each side of the road and then pulled up to the hotel’s private parking. We were then greeted by the hotel concierge who (given the early hour) invited us to discover the breakfast buffet and a cup of strong Italian coffee. We gladly accepted this offer and walked through the white, cool corridors and down a passageway to the breakfast room.

About The Hotel: Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa

A 5-star hotel in the secluded Syracuse outback, Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa, a member of Radisson Individuals. It promises a unique stay in the rural area surrounded by citrus and olive groves. Perfect for nature lovers: The villa is a tranquil oasis, with plenty of greenery surrounding the grounds and an 18-hole golf course to really bring the villa to life. So if you’re looking for an authentic Sicilian villa and plenty of gardens to relax and unwind in, you’ll find just that at this beautiful hotel.

Before becoming a hotel, it was in fact an ancient Benedictine monastery. In 2012 it was transformed into a 5-star hotel. It has all the characteristics of a Roman farm villa and offers elegantly decorated and modern common areas.

The entrance hall is large and leads off to different areas including a beautiful patio with a panoramic terrace where guests can relax with a glass of good wine.

About The Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa Hotel Rooms

We were led to our room which was situated in the courtyard right next to a ripe apricot tree. Our room was furnished in a modern sophisticated manner. As you entered the room there was a large wooden desk and cabinet filled with water and coffee. There was also a sofa seating area which was just next to a sliding door. Behind which was a beautiful large walk-in wardrobe that led you through to the large bathroom. Cream white interiors with dark wood floors, the room was tranquil and elegant. It has a staircase that led up to a mezzanine where there was a plush bed, another built-in wardrobe, and a bathroom, both the upstairs and downstairs had showers. The room felt like the perfect, cool refuge from the Sicilian sun.

The hotel has a total of 102 rooms, located in different buildings, divided into the following sections:

  • Superior – 35 m2, double or single bed, with a view of the golf or the garden view
  • Premium Borgo – 35 m2, double bed, with a golf view
  • Deluxe Villa – 30 m2, double bed, located inside the old monastery.
  • Junior Suite – 35 m2, double bed, view of the ancient inner courtyards.
  • Suite – 60 m2, double bed, view of the courtyards of the old monastery.

The Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa Breakfast Buffet

At the restaurant Sala Laghetto guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner are only a la carte with Mediterranean cuisine. Special menus for vegetarians and coeliacs are available on request. We actually had breakfast in the room the second day, which I would highly recommend. A large platter is brought to your room on a golf caddie, laden with fresh fruits (including one of my all-time favorites: papaya!), scrambled eggs, cheeses, salmon, and bread. Along with fresh juice and Italian coffee to ensure that we started the day off in the best possible way.

About the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa Services & Activities: The Spa, Golf & Swimming Pool

With two outdoor swimming pools that are interconnected and a large spa, the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort is the perfect place to relax and unwind. I performed enjoyed the pool area as they had very comfortable lounge beds so you could laze around the water.

You can also relax at the full-service Zàgara spa, and enjoy their massages, body treatments, and facials. Designed in 2013 by the architect Simone Micheli. The spa is spread over 300 square meters and it is divided into different areas: Turkish bath, emotional shower, sauna, Jacuzzi, relaxation area, 5 cabins equipped for personalized wellness treatments and a salt room.

The sun-drenched golf course is certainly one of the main highlights of the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort: it is set in 86 hectares of orange and lemon trees and immersed in lush Mediterranean vegetation, with mandarins, lemons, and figs. It is an 18-hole, par 71 golf course of 6,250 meters and was designed by David Mezzacane (president of the Italian Association of Golf Course Architects) and Vincenzo Mazzacane. There is also a pro-shop, where you can get all the necessary equipment for golfing, changing rooms and lockers.

What is more, they offer golf lessons on-site at the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort. So we headed to the driving range of the golf course which has 40 stations and putting greens after a little dip in the swimming pool.

Now, these are not your average golf lessons as your instructor is an expert with an incredible professional journey. The golf lesson was with the professional Italian golfer Anna Nistri, who is the winner of three Italian Championships and her career includes 15 years in the Italian national team, and 2 years of the European tour. She is on the Emilia Romagna Regional Committee.

Other services that the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort offers include horseback riding, diving, and sailing excursions in the surrounding area, upon request.

Conclusion

In my opinion, the Borgo di Luce – I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA is truly a place to escape from everyday life and relax in the lush, Sicilian vegetation. Picking apricots straight from the tree and enjoying them, the swimming pool area and golf lessons were certainly one of the highlights for me.

For more information visit:

https://www.imonasterigolfresort.com/en-GB

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LA DOLCE VITA AT 2PINICAPRI A beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Anacapri

Situated in the picturesque and historic landmark of Anacapri, 2 Pini hotel is a charming, family run boutique hotel which I was so lucky enough to discover earlier this month.

ABOUT CAPRI – A LUXURY HOLIDAY RESORT

I was so happy to take advantage of the last rays of sunshine in Italy earlier this month and travel to the beautiful island of Capri for the first time. The elitist fame of this beautiful island is intermeshed with the 1950s. Known as a haven for jet-setting stars and celebrities.

Capri Island is situated along the Amalfi Coast in Italy and is one of the most beautiful jet-set destinations I’ve ever been to. A hotspot for celebrities, fashionistas, and the “elite”. Capri has been the setting for countless Hollywood films in the 50s and 60s. Indeed there still has a sort of vintage allure to the island. Fashion and luxury is a big part of Capri. Indeed, many fashion designers create special, capsule collections that are exclusively available in their Capri boutiques (including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Hermès, Versace and Prada).

It is also home to the Annual Luisa Via Roma Gala, which took place in early August. In fact, the first thing I spotted when we arrived at the beautiful 2 Pini Residence which would be our home for the next few days, was a magazine with the Luisa Via Roma in Capri: Charity Event & Summer Party 2021. It really is one of THE main events of the year on the island. Indeed luxury and fashion design was definitely

Indeed, when one hears of Capri, instantly images of glamorous women on Vespas, lemon trees, blue-tiled stones, and stretches of the azure blue sea come to mind. This cliché is not for off from reality. The coastline, the colorful buildings, and the pastel-colored sunsets that we enjoyed during our stay were all real and simply spectacular. It really was an oasis of Italian glamour, secretly hidden away, steeped in traditional values, and rich with heritage.

THE ARRIVAL AT 2PINICAPRI

I visited this beautiful Italian island along with my friend and fellow travel blogger Bella in early September. We arrived midday on the island and had the pleasure of staying in the most picturesque hotel situated just West of Capri, called 2 Pini Residences. This area is called Anacapri and is located a little higher up on the island. Indeed this area has some of the finest gardens in all of Italy.

It was a truly wonderful gem tucked away and super close to the Piazza Vittoria, as well as being close to the shops and local restaurants of Anacapri. What was also amazing was that in terms of Covid-19, the hotel took all the necessary precautions and even had a special machine that completely disinfected our luggage before they were brought into our room. I found this super convenient and reassuring especially as we had taken a plane, taxi, and boat, and another taxi to arrive! I was also impressed with the warm welcome with which we were met.

ABOUT 2PINICAPRI HOTEL

Originally founded by Giuseppe (don Peppino) and his Swiss wife, today it is run by their grandchildren: the two wonderful brothers Augusto and Guido.

Since 1950, it is a family-run boutique hotel, that is perfect for a calm, scenic stay on the iconic Italian island. In fact, one of the aspects I adored about Capri, is that many of the businesses were family-owned and passed on for generations.

This was true for the boutique hotel: The 2 Pini Residence Hotel whose legacy begins with Giuseppe Ferraro. He owned a pasticceria in the Piazza Vittoria, and it was later renamed Bar Due Pini. In 1999 along with his Swiss wife Elisabeth and daughter Gulia they transformed the vineyards into what is today known as 2 Pini Residence. Today the boutique hotel is run by their grandchildren Guido and Augusto, who both kindly hosted us. They were so hospitable and helpful throughout our stay, they even arranged a private boat trip for us around the island which was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Another aspect I loved about Capri, and which I find so rare today, is that so many products on the island are actually locally sourced. It was wonderful for example to see the fresh lemons displayed at the reception when we arrived. They had been freshly picked from the lemon garden that lined the property. I loved that 2 Pini Residence was surrounded by nature, growing their own lemons, and had the most stunning roses that lined the entrance greeting guests. The 2 Pini Residence gardens also had a terrace-solarium and an outdoor hydromassage pool.

ABOUT THE 2PINICAPRI ROOM

We stayed in a spacious and comfortable apartment. Fully equipped with all comforts, including a kitchenette, bathroom, and a beautiful terrace covered in flowers. The rooms were very spacious, furnished in a minimal style. Whilst the bathroom was fully stocked with complimentary toiletries from the local brand Cartusia.

Our private terrace had a view of the sea and from which I witnessed some of the most spectacular sunsets. This is also where we had our first breakfast in Capri the very next morning. It was a delightful dolce vita moment. The table was set with fresh roses from their garden. We sipped freshly brewed coffee and soaked up the sunshine before heading into town.

Alternatively, you can also enjoy a traditional Mediterranean breakfast in the morning which was served in the adjacent bar in the main square of Anacapri.

2PINICAPRI CONCIERGE SERVICES

We were truly lucky during our stay as our hosts were true locals and knew the island through and through. What is more, they offered fantastic services, including:

A Private Boat Tour of Capri

2 Pini arranged for us a private boat tour of Capri with a skipper and we had a truly unforgettable day in the glittering waters of Capri. We set off from Marina Grande, the main port, and went all around the island. During the boat tour we got all the inside information from our super-friendly guide for the day Salvatore.

The Delicious Food from the Restaurant Due Pini Capri

Although the hotel does not have a restaurant on-site, they have a partnership with the Restaurant Due Pini Capri. Located in the center of Anacapri, it has a splendid terrace that overlooks the main square and the food is absolutely divine.

Overall, it was a truly wonderful experience and I was so thankful to be able to discover Italy a little more this year.

A SPECIAL SUPRISE FOR YOU – Discount code – Residence 2 Pini

I also have a surprise for you wonderful readers and travel friends! If you are planning to travel to 2 Pini Residence Anacapri in the future I have a special offer just for you. You can book your stay at the Residence with a 10% discount with this code: ANNA_CAPRI

This code gives you a 10% discount on the reservations made on their web site www.2pini.com

Discount code: ANNA_CAPRI

Book your trip via the hotel via telephone: +39 081 837 14 04 or e-mail: residence@2pini.com

Don’t forget to mention my discount code ANNA_CAPRI when you book.

For more information and bookings:

For more information and bookings:

Residence 2 Pini Anacapri

Via Caposcuro, 3 – 80071 Anacapri (NA) – Italy

Telephone: +39 081 837 14 04

E-Mail residence@2pini.com

The comment section is at the end of the post & I love reading all your comments.🥰

A Stylish Story

Your luxury lifestyle blogger from Geneva

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