Highlights from MFW SS21: Fendi, Prada, Tod's and more

From Raf Simons’ co-designed show at Prada to Valentino making a debut at Milan Fashion Week SS21, here are a few standout collections that struck a chord.

Fendi

The SS21 Fendi show happened in front of a very selective, small group of guests, while the rest of the world tuned in via the web. The show came a week after the announcement that Kim Jones will be taking over the house’s womenswear (the designer sat front row, in case you were wondering). Lockdown, like most designers, was the starting point for Silvia Fendi. Scenes from outside the window, photographed by Silvia herself, served as the prints on the opening looks, while other found fabrics from home, such as down comforters and doilies, were also spotted on the runway.

Prada

Arguably the most anticipated show of the week, the Italian house debuted a virtual show with the first ever collection co-designed by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons. The combination was the perfect combination of both their aesthetics and was a display of the new Prada uniform of sorts- futuristic-yet-90’s-inspired looks of straight legged trousers worn with matching logo tunic tops, mackintosh coats and pointed kitten heels. The show was followed by an intimate Q&A session, which gave insight into their new partnership. 

Tod’s

The presentation of Tod’s SS21 collection was held in the famed location of Villa Necchi Campiglio and was the brainchild of creative director, Walter Chiapponi. Models wandered from room to room, while Zoom guest appearances (from friends of the house including Olivia Palermo and Tamu McPherson) popped up on-screen. The collection was clean, classic and confident – an array of summer staples that exuded ease and elegance, while surprises came in the form of unexpected colour-blocking, neon mini bags and even a plexiglass heeled sandal. 

Versace

After bringing back J.Lo’s jungle dress last season, Donatella Versace dove deep (like ocean deep) for this season’s starting point. In typical Donatella fashion, she injected high-octane glamour to an aquatic assortment of sporty-turned-serious looks. Board shorts were matched with blazers, while starfish, jellyfish and seashells made their way 90’s Miami Beach worthy separates and minidresses. 

Valentino

For the first time, Pierpaolo Piccioli selected Milan as the city for his runway show this season, and the reason behind was to take a stand to support the Italian fashion system. The collection felt honest, relaxed, romantic and even rebellious at times. There were crochet dresses or ruffled blouses with denim for the day and floor length floral frocks for after dark. Nearly every look that came down the runway was finished off with a pair of XXL Rockstud flats (studs were enlarged), which offered a nice sense of familiarity.

See also: Dunhill’s new Lock bag is this season’s menswear must-have