“I wish I wasn’t Italian” said no one ever.  There’s just something about being Italian that screams fashion – and we can’t help but be obsessed.  Not only has Milan given the fashion world Chiara Ferragni (blogger, designer, and entrepreneur goals – right?), but each year Milan Fashion Week rolls out some of the top collections.  From old favorites such as Gucci, to the collections that fly under the radar like Cedric Charlier, we can’t help but fall in love with the talent and creativity.  As much as we adore New York and London, MFW brought interest to the runway and an abundance of looks that we couldn’t help but fawn over. These are the best MFW Fall 2017 collections, so far.

 GUCCI

With a stacked front row – think Florence and the Machine’s leading lady Florence Welch, rapper A$AP Rocky, and Chicago’s very own Tavi Gevinson  – and a captivating collection, it’s obvious that Gucci is always a favorite.  This year creative director Alessandro Michele moved away from the trendy micro-floral prints that we’ve seen in past years, and turned towards macro-florals.  That’s right – the bigger the better.  The print was featured on sparkling blazers, tiered midi-skirts, men’s trousers, and even mock fishnet tights.  Gucci taught us to not only embrace the blossoms, but to go big or go home.

MOSCHINO

While New York was full of political statements, Jeremy Scott took another important angle – the environment.  Models strutted down the runway donning dresses, trench coats, and skirts embellished with mail-inspired patches and prints that read “DO NOT CRUSH,” “FRAGILE,” and “CAUTION THIS SIDE UP.”  The color palette of the collection also resembled shipping boxes, with hues ranging from camel to chocolate brown. It’s clear that while the fashion industry is the number two polluter in the world (Yes, it’s true!), Scott aimed to ignite our self-awareness with the hopes of inducing a trash-free, recycled, and environmentally-friendly lifestyle.  While we may not be able to get our hands on Moschino’s latest pieces, Chicago is home to many sustainable boutiques that allow us to shop guilt-free.  Our favorites?  Check out Mod + Ethico and SARAROSE on Oak for sustainable, ethical, and fashionable pieces from Chicago-native designers.

ALBERTA FERRETTI

Alberta Ferretti took us on a fashionable trip to the beautiful streets and canals of Venice with scenic-printed maxi-dresses, two-piece ensembles, and streamline pencil skirts.  Along with paying to tribute to her native country, Ferretti also adorned the runway with applique evening dresses – like a flowing ethereal floral number with billowing sleeves – and simplistic everyday combos – like a solid black maxi-dress topped with an oversized black-and-white knit sweater.  Her line was for everyone for every occasion, and you can bet that these Italian trends will be following suit here in the Windy City.

CÉDRIC CHARLIER

Cédric Charlier changed things up a bit this year.  Not only did he move his Ready-to-Wear from Paris to Milan, but he also combined his men’s and woman’s collections.  Known for his use of color blocking – flashback to the black and gold striped pants seen in his Spring 2015 Ready-to-Wear collection, and the cobalt and black shift dresses from his Resort 2013 line – Charlier followed (his own) suit with a long sleeved navy and yellow dress featuring shoe lace-inspired stitching for ladies, and sky blue and army green patchwork button-ups for men.  With spring right around the corner, we can’t think of a better way to embrace a rainbow of colors than by adding geometric pops to everyday ensembles.

FENDI

Something needs to be said about Fendi’s love for a tailored blazer and fur, and no we’re not complaining – we love it too.  Karl Lagerfeld embraced both house favorites in a new way.  Instead of incorporating fur as an oversized coat, cropped jacket, or a fluffy scarf – remember Fendi’s Pre-Fall 2015 collection? – fur accentuated tweed tailored blazers with fuzzy cuffs, covered a long duster vest, and adorned a slouchy tote bag.  Instead of wearing fur in a typical way, take note from Fendi and incorporate fuzziness into your clothing and accessories.

Now that MFW is almost over, do you have any collections that caught your eye?  Will you be rocking any of the trends on the streets of your city?  You can be certain we will!