A Personal Journey Through Italian Innovation and Global Aesthetics
The start of 2026 has brought a fresh wave of creative energy to Milan. This past Sunday, 18th January, I had the pleasure of attending “In Passerella: L’Eccellenza Artigiana,” a stunning collaboration between Camera Showroom Milano (CSM) and Confartigianato Moda.
For me, as a branding specialist, this wasn’t just another runway. It was a real celebration of the “Made in Italy” soul – where old-school tailoring meets a fresh, futuristic vision. Here are the highlights from a day that perfectly balanced heritage with a modern, international heart.
Hilda Maha: Global Vision Meets Japanese Sensibility
If I had to pick a personal favorite, it’s hands-down Hilda Maha. A Central Saint Martins graduate, Hilda has this incredible knack for turning raw creativity into high-end fashion that feels truly global. Since the official launch of her brand in 2019, she has consistently pushed boundaries.
What really caught my eye were the color palettes; there’s a distinct “inclusion vibe” that feels like a gorgeous bridge between Japanese aesthetics mixed with classic European silhouettes. The look is bold and experimental yet remains deeply wearable, featuring 3D prints and refined embroidery that celebrate a woman who is both elegant and wonderfully playful. It is this specific mix of cultures that makes her work feel so relevant for today’s international community.
Blanchett Goose: Where Innovation Meets the Romantic Soul
While I was exploring the collections, I couldn’t help but notice how Blanchett Goose managed to bring innovation and youth together in such a refined way. Founded in 2017, the brand feels like a deep exploration of what modern youthful energy looks like right now – using high-quality materials and bold, thoughtful proportions that truly make a coat feel like a second skin.
Whether I was looking at their lightweight winter pieces or those “just right” transitional jackets, I felt a clear commitment to creating timeless clothes designed to last far longer than a season. The overall effect was polished, confident, and undeniably Italian; it’s a perfect example of how premium outerwear can feel both protective and incredibly cool at the same time.
A Journey in Linen: 120% Lino
The origins of this brand have always inspired me. In 1980, Alberto Peretto discovered a linen jacket at Camden Market – an encounter often remembered as cinematic, carrying the ambitious, dream-driven spirit of the film Fitzcarraldo. This season, I was struck by how that poetic memory has matured into a modern vocabulary. Linen remained central, yet it was no longer confined to an idea of summer ease. It appeared structured and layered, with silhouettes that wrap the body with confidence. The brand continues to speak softly, but with remarkable clarity and a beautiful balance between purity and evolution.
Contemporary Precision: MRZ
What I particularly value in MRZ (founded in 2012 by the Marziali family) is its disciplined clarity. The collection spoke through technique rather than excess, demonstrating how decades of expertise in knit construction can translate into modern, metropolitan elegance. I observed a careful control of proportion and surfaces engineered with intelligence. Nothing shouted; everything was intentional. It is a contemporary wardrobe where innovation in fabric development becomes the true ornament.
Timeless Femininity: Sara Roka
Finally, my attention was captured by the incredible silhouettes of Sara Roka. With a background formed between the Fashion Institute of Technology and training under legendary masters, she brings a rigorous understanding of construction to garments that feel effortless. She is a master at taking the heritage of the classic man’s shirt and transforming it into a chic and sensual combination for the modern woman.
By playing with traditional tailoring and feminine volumes, she creates a look that is both assertive and romantic. I sensed a deep respect for tradition in her work, yet also the confidence to reinterpret it into something that feels elevated and undeniably elegant.
Attending the CSM event was a reminder of why Milan remains the heart of the fashion world. Seeing designers like Hilda Maha mix cultural aesthetics so seamlessly gives me so much excitement for the future of our international creative community. Fashion isn’t just about the clothes; it’s about the stories, the craftsmanship, and the constant drive to innovate while staying true to our roots.
With this inspiration in mind, I am more than ready to explore the upcoming MFW Women’s season. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes insights!
