Street Style Takes Center Stage: Milan Fashion Week FW25/26, Day 2
The streets of Milan during Fashion Week are always a spectacle, but on Day 2 of the FW25/26 season, they became a living tableau of fashion’s evolving dichotomies. Outside the Dolce & Gabbana and Emporio Armani shows, guests brought their A-game, translating the DNA of these two houses into striking personal statements. The result was an open-air runway where timeless elegance collided with unapologetic maximalism.
Emporio Armani: Minimalism Reimagined
For those heading to Emporio Armani, the mood was subdued yet sophisticated. Guests leaned into the house’s signature understatement, embracing natural tones and a refined silhouette that nodded to 90s minimalism. Beige suits with embroidered detailing and cinched waists redefined classic tailoring, offering a softer approach to menswear.
Accessories played a vital role in elevating these looks. Oversized scarves in bold, unexpected hues added a touch of whimsy, while the occasional sparkling jacket or oversized bow worn as a necktie disrupted the monochromatic palette with playful irreverence. Footwear followed suit: moccasins paired with cashmere coats balanced functionality with luxury. The crowd’s hair and makeup choices further emphasized individuality—pops of pink hair and natural finishes added subtle flair without overshadowing the clothes.
Dolce & Gabbana: Opulence in Overdrive
In contrast, Dolce & Gabbana’s devotees embraced the house’s signature theatricality. The vibe was unapologetically bold, with double-embellished belts, scarves tied over caps, and layered combinations of jean jackets, hoodies, and button-up shirts dominating the scene. This layered, streetwise aesthetic felt quintessentially Dolce: equal parts Sicilian nostalgia and urban bravado.
Women paid homage to vintage glamour with headscarves tied Jackie O-style, paired with oversized sunglasses and strings of pearls. Outerwear took center stage as well—faux fur coats in monochromatic ensembles and velvety mustard bomber jackets added texture and drama. Accessories were equally bold: square glasses, sparkling embellishments, and cowboy boots turned heads, as did the occasional floor-length coat.
A Tale of Two Aesthetics
The divide between Armani’s subtle sophistication and Dolce & Gabbana’s maximalist exuberance wasn’t just striking—it was emblematic of Milan’s enduring duality. Armani’s guests embodied the quiet luxury of natural tones and streamlined silhouettes, while Dolce’s audience celebrated a baroque spirit of excess and self-expression.
Yet, there were moments of convergence. Both camps embraced experimental silhouettes and accessories that challenged convention. Space suit-inspired ensembles, oversized scarves, and layered looks spoke to a shared willingness to push boundaries.
As Milan Fashion Week continues, the streets outside the shows remind us that fashion’s heartbeat isn’t confined to the runways. It thrives in the creativity, individuality, and daring expressions of its audience—where style is as much about identity as it is about clothing.
Written by Oona Chanel
Photography by Luis Riese
