Milan Fashion Week recap: from drones to dragons, and way too much bubbly

Milan19

I’m back! Your ever on the scene Style Editor and I have been BUSY! Milan Fashion Week is finally over which means a much-needed full night of sleep is in my immediate future but not before I catch you up on what happened during this week of fashion shows, celebrity-studded front rows and late-night after-parties.

On the night before the shows began, Moncler unveiled their much awaited “Genius Building”, a space to house collaborating designers whose collections will be available for purchase every month beginning this summer. A slew of international influencers and celebrities – supermodel Naomi Campbell, Stranger Things actress Millie Bobby Brown, Instagram stars Caroline Daur and Toni Mahfud and singer Justine Skye – were on hand for the inaugural private gala dinner in a gorgeous historic library. This was followed by a late night after-party at Apophis Club where Naomi Campbell danced the night way with hot young DJ, Argentina’s Babygirl spinning in the console.

Photo: Instagram iamnaomicampbell
Photo: Instagram iamnaomicampbell

Day 1
The highlight for me was Gucci, who transformed its show into a hospital operating theatre where models walked down the runway carrying baby dragons, lizards and replicas of their own heads. The collection, of course, was amazing because the designer Alessandro Michele is a genius.

Photo: Instagram Gucci
Photo: Instagram Gucci

On the Moschino runway, Jeremy Scott gave us a Jackie O-inspired collection with Kaia Gerber (Cindy Crawford’s daughter) opening the show. The Moschino after-party – with its open bar of Ciroc vodka and performance by Italian rapper Sfera Ebbasta – knocked out till the next afternoon.

Day 2
All I cared about on Day 2 was Fendi and Prada. Fendi collaborated with Instagram artist REILLY, known for his satirical pop culture collages, for a Fendi-Fila mashup that had everyone talking. Prada unveiled a new show space, the 8-storey Fondazione Prada Tower, where outside large neon Prada signs lit up the dark night while Miuccia proposed a fluo-coloured freedom for women to feel safer without being bothered on such nights. I ended day 2 in bed with Netflix; my liver in an open rebellion against me.

Photo: Instagram Prada
Photo: Instagram Prada

Day 3
Only had one name worth space in this piece and that name is Versace. Technicolor and tartan are on the books for next fall: who’s ready for their Cher Horowitz from Clueless moment? Side night I discovered an interesting little brand called Mua Mua Dolls, they had me at sequin covered trench coats and sparkling dresses emblazoned with “Too glam to give a damn” and “Think rich look poor”. It’s eco-friendly and they are promoting an initiative to keep plastic out of the ocean. I’m already looking forward to their upcoming menswear.

(Stylist Marco Ferra and rapper Gordon Ranzy wearing Mua Mua at the presentation. Photo: Instagram
(Stylist Marco Ferra and rapper Gordon Ranzy wearing Mua Mua at the presentation. Photo: Instagram

I started another long night out with a stop to check out shoe brand VFTS at their event followed by La Martina’s polo party with a guest performance by Ne-Yo. The flashbacks to high school were in full .

Day 4
Giorgio Armani staged a show, which, in his own words, was an “ode to coexistence”. Berets are still in fashion for another season. Over at Paul Andrew’s debut collection for Ferragamo, Big Little Lies star Shailene Woodley and Black Panther star Danai Gurira made a front row appearance. Comfort and tonal looks are what’s in store for the Ferragamo customer this fall. Over at Missoni, Angela Missoni was in the mood for easy luxury, nothing too fussy but still sophisticated and a bit kooky. On my way home from the shows, I stumbled upon the pop-up store for shoe brand Giannico, the brainchild of Nicolo Beretta that lit up the street with a glow from the pink splashed interior.

Over on Via della Spiga, another shoe brand feted their new collaboration collection with architect Jean-Marie Massaud transforming their downstairs space into a nightclub with lasers, hip hop, free flowing Dom Perignon and Krug and caviar. Aigner Munich celebrated their new store opening with a huge party DJed by Matteo Ceccarini filled with IT girls such as Veronica Ferraro and Catherine Poulain.

What everybody was talking about, however, was fashion icon Anna Dello Russo’s party in a palazzo that had been transformed on Corso di Porta Romana where she auctioned off her iconic wardrobe, starting with a catwalk that featured the Who’s Who of social media glitterati followed by an over-th- top sit down dinner and dance party.

Photo: Instagram Tatler Magazine
Anna Dello Russo. Photo: Instagram Tatler Magazine

As famous faces and boldface names left the unforgettable evening, the night raged on with more partying at VOLT club, where Giovanna Battaglia and Peter Dundas danced on tables. I made my way out because by that point, I’d fallen down and shattered my iPhone and probably kneecap (thanks you vodka). I passed Luka Sabbat on the stairs, we took a selfie. As I got into the car it started snowing.

Day 5
On the last day (FINALLY), on 4 hours of sleep, I dragged myself to the Stella Jean show where she had me shaken with her heavily streetwear-influenced collection, something I didn’t expect would be in her repertoire but it was cute. At the Dolce & Gabbana show, drones flew purses around a show that was dedicated to love. In typical Dolce fashion, their was religious iconography, crowns, looks that veered towards carnival, and slogan T-shirts that will be a hit on Instagram.

Clearly Stefano and Domenico know what they are doing. For the year ending March 2017, the brand recorded revenues of €1.3 billion.

Photo: Instagram bazaaruk
Photo: Instagram bazaaruk

The last show of fashion week was the much awaited and publicised Tommy Hilfiger extravaganza, the last part of his collaboration with model Gigi Hadid. The collection was shopped live during the show, as well as bought on sight. The venue was transformed into a huge race track with Formula 1 cars … complete with Lewis Hamilton. The front rows were packed with celebrities, I can’t even begin to go down the list, it was outrageous. Backstage (thanks Riccardo Corti) the likes of Hailey Baldwin ran around posing for pictures, Youtube sensation Cameron Dallas jumped around, Lewis Hamilton and Tommy Hilfiger chatted, Golden Barbie pranced around. It was a scene. I ate some couscous in the corner.

Photo Instagram Gigi Hadid
Photo Instagram Gigi Hadid

Before all that happened, I swung by Larusmiani where they were toasting their collaboration with Attico, a sumptuous and excessive brand headed by IT girls Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini, it was a decadent little affair, champagne and gourmet popcorn, ostrich feathers and diamonds.

Just down the street Roberto Cavalli was having a little do for their eyewear line. Some day I need to calculate how many glasses of champagne I drink in one day during fashion week.

Later that night Fiat heir Lapo Elkann threw a party for his sunglasses brand, Italia Independent, and to cap off a long week Italian model and television personality Andrea Marcaccini had a very, very, very late night party at Volt for his brand. I don’t remember how I got home.

Goodbye Fashion Week. See you in June.

Instagram sensation and style blogger Louis Pisano writes SuperficialLivingDiary.com.
Article first published February 27, 2018. 


ALSO BY LOUIS

#MyMonacoStyle Weekend Report

Monaco Cathedral to host multi-sensory show to mark Prince Albert’s 60th

monacocathedral

On the occasion of the 60th birthday of Prince Albert II, a multi-sensory show will be offered to Monegasques at the Cathedral of Monaco.

Presented in the form of five tableaux evoking alternately Earth, Water, Fire, Air and the Celestial, “Elements” has been conceived as a 30-minute sensory show immersing viewers in a succession of reconstructed environments projected onto the interior of the Cathedral.

With the Grand Organ as the centrepiece, acting as the guiding thread of illustration, all the musical entities of the Principality will be represented: the Petits Chanteurs, the Monte-Carlo Opera Choir and the singers of its International Professional Training Artist-Choir, the Monaco Brass formation from the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Children’s Choir from the Rainier III Music Academy, the Prince’s Carabiniers Orchestra, the Monoïkos Quartet and finally, a group of ten solo singers present especially for the occasion.

In total, some 150 professional musicians and singers of world renown, attached to the Principality and its service for many years, will take part in the settings of music images projected on the pillars, arches and walls of the Cathedral.

“Elements” will take place on Wednesday, March 14, at 8:30 pm and again at 9:45 pm. Tickets can be collected at the Monaco Town Hall, from March 1 to March 7, 8:30 am to 4 pm, on presentation of a Monaco identity card. Places limited.


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F1 Damon Hill showcases controls for all-disabled racing team

Former F1 World Champion Damon Hill
Former F1 World Champion Damon Hill

Team BRIT (British Racing Injured Troops) aims to inspire people with disabilities, PTSD and mental health issues, by demonstrating what can be achieved through motorsport and on Friday, February 23, former F1 World Champion Damon Hill showcased a world-leading hand-control technology to officially launch the team’s new GT car.

Damian joined the team and crew at a special event at Brands Hatch race circuit, where he completed high-speed laps demonstrating the power of the controls and proving that the team will be competitive and successful as it moves up the motorsport ladder towards its goal of becoming the first all-disabled team to race in Le Mans 24 hour race.

Damon, who is the son of legendary F1 driver Graham Hill, and, along with Nico Rosberg, is one of only two sons of a Formula One world champion to win the title, is a patron of Team BRIT and has supported team founder Dave Player since the team was established in 2015. Damon’s son Josh worked with the team’s linked charity, KartForce, which helps injured military troops to access karting.hillteambrit3

hillteambrit2

Team BRIT recently announced its move to GT racing in 2018 and revealed its full-spec Aston Martin V8 Vantage. The team has developed the world’s most advanced hand-control technology, which allows its disabled drivers to compete on equal terms with able-bodied drivers.

Team BRIT has secured significant corporate sponsorship over the last 18 months, including by a blockchain provider, Dragon Coin, which is a first for a motorsport team. With the addition of the Aston Martin, the Team BRIT academy model will begin this year, welcoming rookies into the Fun Cup championship, driving cars #158 and #312 before progressing on to GT racing.

Damon had a day testing the controls in the new Aston before showcasing the controls on Friday. He commented, ““I think TEAM Brit have created the perfect rehabilitation challenge for injured servicemen and women. Motorsport demands total commitment and thorough preparation. Problems are there to be overcome. The race is always on!”

hilteambrit4

“So if you are out of action for the services, there are plenty of challenges ahead in motorsport, which is the perfect medicine for putting history to bed. I wish TEAM Brit all the very best with their adventure and I am very honoured to have been asked to endorse this endeavour. See you at Le Mans!”

Team BRIT founder and CEO, Dave Player, said “We are extremely proud to have the support and backing of one of Britain’s finest racing drivers. Having Damon drive our Aston and seeing him so impressed with the hand controls meant so much to us. We can and will be competitive and will show the world what we can achieve as a disabled team.”


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Watch as Prince Albert calls on Britain to take lead on fighting menace of plastic waste

Watch Prince Albert’s speech, starting at the 38-minute mark.

HSH Prince Albert told an influential audience in London on Wednesday, February 28, that the world must take urgent action to combat the “devastating effects” of plastic in the Earth’s oceans.

The Prince was giving the annual lecture at The Grantham Institute, at Imperial College London. At the end of his 28-minute discourse, he quoted Winston Churchill, saying: “What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone?”

Known for his relentless efforts to tackle climate change, ocean acidification and pollution, the Prince added,”This question, ‘What is the use of living?’, is a question we should all ask ourselves.”

The lecture was followed by an audience Q&A with the “the green prince”, who warned that the problem of plastic waste in the oceans is now so bad that it is beginning to end up in ‘the foods on our plates’.


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Monaco high school students get zapped

Photo: Facebook Croix-Rouge de Monaco
Photo: Facebook Croix-Rouge de Monaco

Monaco high school students were treated to an “Afternoon of Zapping”, at which the central topic was HIV prevention, sexuality and AIDS awareness.

On the agenda of these events are short films, humorous exchanges and dialogue. The sessions are led by Solidarité Sida, whose volunteers are often present at public events and concert halls, offering, with a smile, red ribbons and badges that contribute to the financing of its various actions and missions in more than 22 countries.

Photo: Facebook Solidarité Sida
Photo: Facebook Solidarité Sida

The third edition of an Afternoon of Zapping, held at the Salle des Variétés, was in partnership with the Monaco Red Cross, the Youth and Sports Education Directorate, Fight Aids Monaco and the Monaco Screening Centre, who were each represented.

The goal is to encourage students to speak k freely about sexuality as well as the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Dominique Martet from the Monaco Red Cross; Cécile Mouly of the Dept of Education, Youth and Sports; and Hervé Aeschbach of Fight Aids Monaco. Photo: Facebook Croix-Rouge de Monaco
Dominique Martet from the Monaco Red Cross; Cécile Mouly of the Dept of Education, Youth and Sports; and Hervé Aeschbach of Fight Aids Monaco. Photo: Facebook Croix-Rouge de Monaco

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Gilles Tonelli at high-level summit of Human Rights Council

Gilles Tonelli
Gilles Tonelli, Minister for Foreign Affairs. UN Photo: Jean-Marc Ferré
Gilles Tonelli, Minister for Foreign Affairs. UN Photo: Jean-Marc Ferré

On Wednesday, February 28, Gilles Tonelli, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, spoke at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, during the High-Level Segment of the 37th session of the Human Rights Council.

The Minister recalled the Principality’s commitment to the promotion and universal respect of human rights, both internally and in the context of its foreign policy.

Gilles Tonelli also commended the Council for its decisions over the past year, including the establishment of a fact-finding mission to Myanmar and the deployment of a Panel of Experts in Yemen. Both initiatives were supported by the Principality.

His speech at the rostrum of the Human Rights Council enabled Mr Tonelli to underline the Principality’s continued commitment to Human Rights, highlighting, in particular: Financial support to the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to facilitate investigations into the most serious violations of international law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011; the Principality’s ratification, in 2017, of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and the holding, in Monaco, on June 25, 2017, of a symposium devoted to “Violence against children in the context of the family and the school”, under the presidency of the Princess of Hanover.


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Principality providing direct help to child victims