Milan Fashion Week FW22: Missoni, Etro, and Bally

Missoni’s latest collection was driven by the push and pull between internal and external, and intimate and collective. Within a sports venue, an alternating soundtrack moved between melodic and rock, immediately setting the tone with contrasts. The iconic Missoni knits returned for the Fall/Winter 2022 season in exaggerated silhouettes, like barely-there crop tops, swimsuit-like garments, and sheer, footless tights worn without pants, highlighted by oversized trenches, voluminous hooded scarves, and 1990s-inspired baggy work pants. Standout designs included a reconceived take on the bathrobe, which was seen with adornments like embroidery, sequins, and crystals; a striped sweater dress in cashmere that fell to a pair of white leather boots; and a mini halter dress in a gray zig-zag knit, styled with snakeskin heels.

Etro utilized spontaneity and instinct to conceive its latest collection, which channeled the importance of awareness, breaking patterns, and unfiltered expression. Titled “ETRO REMIX,” the collection’s bohemian spirit was seen in an array of rich textures, prints, and motifs, creating ensembles that reminded us of a myriad of imagery—ranging from riding motorcycles along Mediterranean coastlines to street-side produce markets and abundant vintage stores. Silhouettes gave models an elongated appearance, outfitted with details like tassels, fringes, quilting, and embellishments, often styled with layered elements, like vests over dresses, knit scarves tied around the waist, and pouches hanging from belts. The season’s many prints included intricate graphics reminiscent of heirloom rugs and nature-inspired motifs, like paisley ramages, animal prints, and other botanical imagery.

Bally’s Fall/Winter 2022collection offered timeless pieces for the modern dresser. Soft leather was a staple fabrication, making up many jackets, trousers, shoes, and accessories in hues of buttercup yellow, robin’s egg blue, deep brown, and burgundy. Shapes were loose and fluid, as if borrowed from a men’s wardrobe, though chic through styling choices of tall boots, oversized shades with a retro feel, and origami-reminiscent handbags and heels. This was seen in looks like a pair of blue creased trousers with a textured wrap sweater; a leather trench with a matching bag and chunky red Chelsea boots; and a leather jacket combined with knitted details, worn like a dress. The collection also employed responsible fabrications including a 100 percent post-consumer recycled nylon, pieces made from recycled leather, repurposed details, and organic cotton jerseys made certified by the Italian Chamber of Commerce’s Traceability & Fashion system.