Milan Fashion Week SS26: Ferrari, Ferragamo & Stella Jean
- Mimi Piqua
- Sep 27
- 6 min read
These shows were great, but today in general was amazing. These aren't even the main event. Dolce & Gabbana brought in Miranda Priestly who hasn't been spotted for over 20 years at a show. WILD. Then Louise Trotter debuted for Bottega Veneta with one hell of a collection.
But before any of that even started Ferrari, Ferragama, and emerging designer Stella Jean who arguably was my favourite of these three, although the lesser known. See about Ferrari below...
Ferrari - September 27 @9:30am
Ferrari started with a bang - literally. The show opened to a deep, pulsing bass line that felt like the soundtrack to a high-speed chase scene. Dramatic, cinematic, and slightly superhero like. Fitting, of course, for a brand with racing DNA.
Models began strutting out in monochromatic creams and whites - chic, minimal, and impeccably tailored. This palette held strong until Look 20 (below), where things shifted dramatically. Acid-washed denim took over, reminiscent of Acne Studios but with Ferrari’s signature precision in tailoring. Jackets, trousers, bags, blazers - everything was razor-sharp. And the music shifted to a more slow, classical ballad, as if they were telling a story!
All my favourites - 2, 4, 10, 12, 14, 20, 23, 27, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 41, 43
Watch the full show here -
Look 20 was a transitional moment going from whites to denim: a simple white vest paired with a statement acid-wash denim skirt. The skirt’s standout features were collar-like shapes at the hip bone that sculpted the body beautifully, Ferrari-embossed hardware, and leather pocket detailing that felt both industrial and luxe.
Soon after, red denim entered the chat - adding more bass again to the tune. A fiery update to the earlier acid wash, this version came lined in Ferrari’s iconic bright red. Braided cable knits also made an appearance in the same shades - in coordinated two-piece sets, grounding the collection in tactile texture.
Then came the shift we were all waiting for: Ferrari Red in full force. Look 31 echoed the first trench but now in a sultry burgundy tone. The red theme intensified with sculptural dresses and finally peaked with my favourite look of the show.
Look 38 (above)! WOW. It was a tomato-red skirt flowing right down to ankle length where the same shade matched on the heels, paired with a matching box bag clutched effortlessly at the side. But the showstopper? A perfectly tailored burgundy leather jacket that fitted so flawlessly it was almost offensive. I know I’ll never own anything that fits me that well.
The final six looks turned up the glamour with mirror bead embellishments scattered across dresses, jackets, and trousers. Look 43 (above left) was a true standout - an entire suit covered in reflective beads. Someone in the front row probably saw themselves in it.
The venue itself added to the drama: mirrored walls, stark white floors, and fashion legends in the crowd - including none other than Anna Wintour. Ferrari absolutely have proved themselves again this season, proving that speed isn’t the only thing they do well, they also are now masters of tailoring and bold, beautiful fashion.
Ferragamo - September 27 @11:30am
Under Maximilian Davis, Ferragamo continues its evolution - sleek tailoring, rich tones, and an identity rooted in understated power. From the moment the livestream started, one detail stood out immediately: the set. The runway was maze-like: circular, winding, and cleverly designed so guests were seated all around, catching glimpses from different angles. An unconventional layout for an unconventional show.
Anok Yai opened in a strong, oversized black blazer and matching wide-leg trousers, accented with a silk scarf tied at the waist. It wrapped around multiple times before falling to the floor in dramatic, tasselled fringe. That fringe detail would go on to dominate the collection - appearing in scarf-belts, sleeves, and full-length trims.
The vibe was mysterious. A soundtrack of minimal, moody beats paired perfectly with the models’ cool confidence as they walked in layered suiting, tailored coats, and bold accessories. But the standout footwear choice? Flip flops. A slightly jarring choice against the heavy tailoring, but perhaps a reminder that this is Spring/Summer.
Watch the full show here -
Look 11 was a menswear favourite, a beige boxy suit worn shirtless, with a deep-cut blazer and another silk scarf belt, in a slightly darker tan. Shades of rust, brown, and gold began to trickle in from here. Look 28 featured a stunning kimono-style dress with panel work in greys, browns, and golds. Silk fringe dripped from each panel, transforming a mini into a floor-length maxi dress. Pure elegance.
Then Look 29 - arguably the star. A full silk trench cinched with an exaggerated scarf-belt that melted into yet more fringe. It was soft, sophisticated, and impeccably made.
All my favourites - 1, 3, 6, 8, 11, 15, 18, 20, 22, 26, 28, 29, 31, 32, 35, 40, 45, 48, 58, 62
The colour palette expanded gradually. From a black-heavy start, the show unfolded into muted tones of grey, navy, pink, rust, yellow, and soft golds. Pops of neon made surprise appearances, including Alex Consani in Look 14: a pleated, high-energy yellow two-piece. Yellow emerged again and again marking Ferragamo's shade for SS26.
Amongst the refined tailoring were playful elements: oversized bangles, ties tucked into pockets, sheer mesh pieces (nipples out, unapologetically), and the occasional feather. The craftsmanship was impeccable, especially in the silk pieces, fringe-laden, feminine, but grounded in structure.
The final looks shifted into high-shine territory with glossy black, latex-like textures. A bold close, though the final latex two-piece felt slightly off - perhaps due to harsh lighting or just a mismatch with the otherwise luxurious lineup.
My final verdict is that Ferragamo knows exactly how to finesse elegance with an edge.
Stella Jean - September 27 @1:30pm
Returning to the Milan schedule with her signature blend of Haitian-Italian heritage and ethical craftsmanship, spotlighting fashion as a vehicle for cultural storytelling. She did just that with a curated collection of just 25 looks, each one bringing the wow factor, nothing was repetitive, it was all remarkably unique and the craftsmanship was otherworldly!
Handpainted prints, embroidery, creativity, embellishments, colour work, everything had been perfected in this collection. It seamlessly blended her Haitian culture with her Italian culture, Stella has a remarkable eye and a very distinguishable trademark on her style. She is talented, bold and unwaveringly clever.
The craftsmanship was top tier from just Look 1, with a tailored two piece suit cinched at the waist with a handpainted and embellished display of a rural Haitian landscape, she always brings culture into her collections which I love! Look 2 (below) featured small embroideries of traditional Haitian ladies carrying produce in baskets on their head, and the model wore a basket style woven straw hat! - paying homage to her culture again! Look 8 was another beautiful one with a simplistic wide dress silhouette in a white shade with only one arm. The other was covered with a 3D crystal covered sleeve which I can only imagine would have been remarkably heavy!
All my favourites: 2, 3, 8, 9, 11, 2, 14, 17, 18, 22, 23, 25
The closing look was absolutely breathtaking, it was all things elegant, sophisticated, fun, quirky all rolled into one! It was that vibe I mentioned the other day, “funky chic” She captured this vibe entirely throughout every single piece. But this Look 25 (above) audibly made me gasp, a white pair of flared trousers which practically floated off the skin. Which merged perfectly with a halter neck top which was connected to the trousers by a large multicoloured beaded fish!
This fish was embellished with an exhaustive amount of beads, sequins, and even some patchwork to make it look as if it had its mouth open! If I bought that and wore it anywhere in Europe (Italy in particular) I know for a fact I would receive an unhealthy amount of compliments!
Her final wave to close the show was nothing short of poetic. She emerged in a look that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the collection - a vibrant patterned skirt, a sharply striped tailored shirt, and the new season boots (which were seriously cool).
But the real statement was in her hands: a simple white T-shirt reading, “Grazie Mr. Armani. Stella.” A heartfelt tribute to the late Giorgio Armani, who passed earlier this month, it felt like a quiet promise - that his legacy will live on through her Italian-rooted work. A beautiful, emotional end to an already stunning collection.
Too often, the big-name fashion houses overshadow emerging artists, however compared to some of the major fashion houses I’ve commented on this season so far this collection is far better in all regards, looks, feel, and craftsmanship.
See the full collection here -
What's to come -
I cannot believe today was the penultimate day of Milan Fashion Week! Well basically the final day, because tomotrow is fully booked off for Giorgio Armani's final farewell from fashion.
These three shows today were just the morning warm-up, and yet they each brought something unforgettable: Ferrari's high-octane precision, Ferragamo’s effortless fringe, and Stella Jean's heartfelt cultural craftsmanship.
And somehow, the most surreal moments were still to come - Miranda Priestly at Dolce & Gabbana? Louise Trotter debuting at Bottega? The day was full of historical and jaw dropping moments!
With love,
Mimi x
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