The Milan Autumn‑Winter 2024 Fashion Week drew attention from the global industry as fashion houses unveiled a wave of fresh energy. New creative directors stepped into the spotlight this season: Maximilian Davis guiding Ferragamo since 2022, Mathieu Blasi taking the helm at Bottega Veneta at the close of 2021, Bally’s revival under new leadership in 2023, Sabato De Sarno steering Gucci, and Adrian Appiolaza making his debut at Moschino just recently. Tom Ford was represented by Peter Hawkings, who assumed the brand’s creative direction in April 2023. The week in Milan served as a stage for renewed vision and bold statements about how luxury brands may evolve in the current market, particularly for North American and Canadian audiences watching global luxury trends from afar.
While a few comparisons highlighted the growing influence of debuting directors, the overall reaction to certain lines suggested a more restrained mood for some houses. Still, the collection showings were undeniably striking, and the city itself offered a heady backdrop of style and atmosphere that amplified the event’s impact. Milan proved, once again, that it is a center where beauty and trend-setting collide, with a clear focus on evolving aesthetics and wearable statements that could resonate with fashion lovers across North America.
moss color
Soft, natural tones dominated the Milan runways, reflecting a seasonal tilt toward earthy palettes. Forest greens, mossy hues, and muted greens with gray undertones stood out, alongside tones drawn from pine needles and the quiet shades of trampled grasses. This natural spectrum was complemented by stone, earth, clay, warm mustard, wood-inspired browns, and a hint of blue‑berry and ripe strawberry accents. Designers like Fendi, Gucci, Bally, Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, and several others showcased this organic color language in diverse silhouettes and textures. Giorgio Armani, however, favored cooler blue and gray tones for several lines, while still weaving in emerald accents to keep the palette lively and contemporary. The result is a color story that Canadian and American shoppers can translate into autumn wardrobes with easy coordination and versatility.
over the knee boots
Footwear dominated conversations this season, with over‑the‑knee boots positioned as a must-have for both genders. The men’s interpretations leaned toward rugged, utilitarian shapes reminiscent of water‑ready footwear, while women’s versions embraced a spectrum of colors and finishes. Gucci offered wine‑colored patent boots, MM6 Maison Margiela presented sleek black or gold options, and Bally, Ferragamo, Versace, and Fendi contributed a range of compelling styles. Across the board, the silhouette proved adaptable—from pared‑down formal wear to bold, fashion-forward ensembles—making it a defining feature of autumn wardrobes in North American markets as well as European streets.
white and fluffy
Natural cues persisted in the comfort‑driven textures of the season. The palette leaned toward moss and pine needle greens, with a touch of snowy whiteness woven into the mix. Fluffy white faux fur coats, soft white knits, and voluminous fur textures offered a sense of warmth and luxury. Bottega Veneta, Jil Sander, Marni, Tom Ford, and Genny urged shoppers to consider a white fur coat as a bold, stylish option for autumn, whether cropped or full-length. Missoni introduced a white fluffy dress that showcased the versatility of this trend beyond outerwear, expanding possibilities for Canadian and American readers to interpret fur-inspired looks in contemporary ways.
Ultra short skirts and shorts
Layering choices remained daring: ultra-short skirts or shorts worn with a fur‑trimmed coat or a long line jacket created a provocative, modern silhouette. Missoni, Ferragamo, Versace, Gucci, Tom Ford, and others suggested that the idea of a wearer who forgot a bottom garment could still be stylish and intentional. Practical styling tips accompanied the looks, such as pairing with opaque tights to maintain warmth in colder climates while preserving the bold line of the outfit. This approach translates well to North American styling, where transitional weather invites experimentation without sacrificing comfort.
Smell and cover
The designers emphasized a soft approach to textures and shapes for the autumn‑winter season. While some runs highlighted the dramatic presence of black leather—Versace stood out in this regard—the broader message favored draped volumes, gravity‑driven silhouettes, capes, wrap coats, and flowing caped layers. The overarching call was to envelop oneself in the season’s chill while still showcasing leg‑length lines. Inspiration can be found in Etro, Bottega Veneta, Ferragamo, Genny, and Fendi, where wrapping textures and fluid forms create a sense of warmth and ease that resonates with consumers who value both comfort and elegance during colder months.
In short, Milan’s autumn‑winter showings offered a cohesive vision: soft color stories, tactile fabrics, and adaptable silhouettes that translate across continents. For buyers and fashion enthusiasts in Canada and the United States, the message is clear—investments in color depth, versatile coats, and statement footwear will carry well through the season, while new creative directions will keep ensembles fresh without straying from timeless elegance. The works also remind readers that fashion remains a dialogue between tradition and experimentation, where refined polish and personal flair can coexist in a single look. At the end of the day, Milan once again proved it can set the pace for global style, inviting audiences to reinterpret luxury through a practical, wear‑with confidence lens.