Designers at Milan Fashion Week sought solace in nostalgia amid global upheaval, unveiling menswear collections for Spring-Summer 2025 that harkened back to more carefree eras while acknowledging the challenges of today. In a bid for escapism, many designers drew inspiration from decades past when the future seemed boundless, now juxtaposed against the stark realities of climate change and geopolitical tension. The result was a series of collections that blended retro charm with modern sensibilities, offering both a refuge from and a reflection of the turbulent times.
Dolce & Gabbana captured the essence of Italian summer elegance with loose silhouettes and artisanal weavings inspired by the country’s golden period of the 1950s. Models strutted down the runway in woven raffia jackets and tunics, paired with scalloped knitwear and pleated trousers, evoking a sense of leisure reminiscent of Marcello Mastroianni’s era. The collection’s color palette, featuring soothing tones of eggplant and forest green punctuated by bursts of coral, underscored its nostalgic appeal.
Meanwhile, Fendi’s menswear collection, helmed by artistic director Silvia Venturini Fendi, offered a kaleidoscopic journey through mixed plaids and geometric prints. Oversized shirts layered beneath lightweight bombers and Bermuda shorts updated classic styles, while inventive garment architectures introduced asymmetry and convertible sleeves. The soothing hues of khaki and lime were accented by pops of pea.
