When it comes to spring and summer in Italy, few things are as iconic as its beaches. From the Adriatic to the Amalfi Coast, Italy’s vibrant “lidos” (private beach clubs) are a quintessential part of the country’s charm. This year, the Italian contingent of Milan Fashion Week paid homage to these sunny shores during a weekend of Spring-Summer 2025 shows, with a recurring theme of “al mare” (the sea) on backstage mood boards.
At MSGM, designer Massimo Giorgetti celebrated his brand’s 15th anniversary with beach-resort-inspired outfits. The collection featured sun-dyed stripes, shiny swim shorts, and playful cutout motifs of crabs, mermaids, and dolphins. Giorgetti, originally from Rimini, drew inspiration from his adopted seaside home on the Ligurian coast, capturing the essence of pines, agaves, and the scent of salt and resin.
Dolce & Gabbana leaned into the jet-set beach vibe with their “Italian Beauty” collection, perfect for those arriving by yacht. The collection was rich with raffia on jackets, shoes, and satchels, and coral embroidery reminiscent of Capri and Portofino’s jewelry stores. The designers reflected on Italy’s status as a summer destination since the 19th century, showcasing louche-cut silhouettes in luxe materials.
Gucci’s Sabato de Sarno presented his sophomore menswear collection, blending city-approved leather jackets and polo shirts with ocean culture icons. The collection featured sharp cuts and breezy dolphin and surfer prints, inspired by William Finnegan’s autobiography “Barbarian Days, A Surfing Life.” Toweling-style polo shirts in Neapolitan gelato shades and rubber sea shoes completed the look.
Prada focused on themes of youthful optimism, freedom, and energy with their “Closer” collection. Featuring deliberately creased shirting, off-kilter prismatic prints, and trompe l’oeil waist belts, the collection evoked a sense of playful reality. Miuccia Prada emphasized positivity over escapism, aiming for something “playful and useful.”
JW Anderson’s summer knits depicted childlike drawings of British houses, while Moschino’s debut menswear collection by Adrian Appiolaza featured postcard prints and blazers with Italian tablescape scenes. Fila+ recreated a nostalgic 1990s Italian home, and Fendi’s Silvia Fendi drew inspiration from archival images of an Italian football manager, blending tradition with experimentation.
Milan Fashion Week this season was a collective celebration of the dolce-vita, rooted in hopefulness and the joy of Italian beach culture.
