Fashion director shares her Milan Fashion Week FW25 diary- RUSSH

Milan is becoming a favourite place to visit, it is usually always warmer than Paris (in weather and kindness)… The Italians welcoming energy from their greeting when you’re arriving at your hotel, to the cash attendant at the closest Carrefour makes Milan Fashion Week (MFW) a happier one.

We are in Milan for the Autunno/Inverno Collezione for 2025/2026 – most excitedly for shows by Max Mara, Emporio Armani, Prada and Sportmax. Here I, Charlotte Agnew, the fashion director of RUSSH take you through a rundown of me in Milano for fashion week.

26.2.25

First on my schedule was visiting the Max Mara showroom near the Duomo cathedral, to view ‘A weekend with Giuliva Heritage’. This was a collaboration between Weekend Max Mara and the iconic Italian brand Giuliva Heritage. The collection included chic and comfortable knitwear layered with silk scarves, wool cardigans, shirts and denim, all styled in a AW palette that we imagine lying in a park on a warm winter day vibe.

Later we followed a long yellow road to the Onitsuka Tiger show. This was such a happy surprise, effortless, practical and a ‘possible chic’ kind of attitude in the styling and hair. The most incredible boots and studded flats worn back with hiking suited outerwear and silk skirts/dresses — also really great pencil skirts with a type of tassel fabric in placement of the regular silk tie?

27.2.25

The first show of the day is Max Mara, always at 9.30am and always with espresso, canapes and lemon water awaiting for its tired quests (this definitely doesn’t happen everywhere so it’s very appreciated when it does). I am always excited for Max Mara, not only for its new season luxury uniform but because they always have the best models… Australian supermodels took over this show including Stella Hanan, Bibi Breslin, Angelina Kendall and Ella Mccutcheon.

Next we ventured out to Gucci Hub, which is quite far outside of the Milano fashion week circle to re-see the FW25 collection that was shown just a couple of days prior. The studio designed collection was a mix of everything they loved it felt, 90’s, sparkle, colour block suits, distinct and interesting outerwear, pink shaggy bags and shoes… It felt like they had a lot of fun making this show and it was styled beautifully by Suzanne Koller.

And then it was time for Prada. There is no show that has a crowd of fans waiting outside like it does for Prada and there is no show that is as efficient and correct to their schedule- no one is late to Prada and Prada doesn’t wait. This collection called ‘Raw Glamour’ felt like an extended chapter to their SS show, a discussion around the meaning of femininity was raised in the show’s rationale…gestures of glamour on the overt accessories, handbags and bows contrasted to the rawness of the fragmented shirts, skirts and behaviour of the silhouette of the dress.

Mr Armani closed our very busy day with a black and white always chic inspired set and a collection that makes the runway models smile. Heart shaped bustiers, playing-cards for accessories and a couple walking together wearing matching faux fur… Mr Armani knows how to have fun.

28.2.25

Sportmax AW25 was a suede oversized fringe bag worn with a low waist skinny jean, a leather beanie and oversized coat or sport park. The Sportmax girl is always so cool and the tailoring in their shirts and pants always make me put them back on my shopping list today.

My list of Milanos must-dos

When I have time around the schedule, my must-dos include:

• For beautifully designed art objects and unique gifts and Phoebe Philo’s / Gentlemonster’s new collection, a visit to 10 CORSO COMO is an absolute must.
• Bar Luce – yes, perfect
• Pasticceria Marchesi 1824, in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. A cappuccino and a picture-perfect cake watching the crowds of the Galleria… the interior design is also a reason enough to visit.
• Villa Necchi – a place to rest your feet by the pool, eat at their restaurant, charge your phone and definitely pay to tour the Villa for anyone who loves rugs, tables, homewares, design and anything Italian.