Milan Fashion Week remains one of the biggest and most glamorous events in the entire industry. During my semester abroad, I was lucky enough to experience a few unforgettable days right in the heart of Milan during the chaos and excitement of Fashion Week. So lean in… and let me take you through everything — from nightlife to fashion shows — straight from the firsthand perspective of a twenty-something living her Italian dream.
From Florence to Fashion Capital
My home base for studying abroad is Florence, Italy — a city that’s undeniably beautiful, historic, and charmingly small. But stepping off the train in Milan felt like entering another world entirely. The grand architecture, sleek design, endless shops, and that electric buzz of fashion everywhere — I was hooked the moment I arrived.
Friday: First Impressions & Fashion Encounters
We arrived on Friday afternoon, ready to dive into everything Milan had to offer. The day was filled with shopping (of course) and dinner at La Maddalena, followed by drinks at a rooftop bar near the Duomo — the view was gorgeous, but the vibe was just okay.
But get this: literally two minutes after stepping off the train, we casually passed Emma Chamberlain. Talk about starting Fashion Week off right!
If you’re looking for a shopping day in Milan, Friday was the dream. I finally got to visit some of the trendy European stores like Pull & Bear and Bershka — and honestly, I’m obsessed.
Saturday: Art, Armani, and an Unforgettable Night
Saturday started with a visit to a small outdoor market in Navigli, followed by the Armani Privé Showcase. And let me tell you — it was breathtaking. Four floors of Armani’s haute couture creations, topped off with videos showcasing his design process and beautiful accessories. I’m not going to lie, I got emotional. The whole experience was such a moving tribute to the genius of Giorgio Armani and the beauty of craftsmanship.
Then came Saturday night — and it’s one I’ll never forget. We went to Gattopardo, the most incredible club I’ve ever been to. I’d been told, “If you’re in Milan, you know Gatto,” and now I completely understand why.
Here’s the thing: I’m not really a “club person.” I usually prefer cozy nights in or a nice dinner with drinks. I had zero plans to stay past 2 a.m. — but somehow, I was there until the lights came on at 5. And the kicker? I was completely sober.
Gattopardo is set inside an old cathedral, and every couple of hours, acrobats perform shows above the crowd. The energy, the music, the lights — everything was pure magic. If you’re ever in Milan looking for a night out, Gatto is the place. (Pro tip: they might try to sell you a €300 bottle at the door, but if you’re patient and polite, you might get in for €25 — no promises, though!)
Sunday: The Show That Defined It All
Sunday was the grand finale — the fashion show. Through our study abroad program with Marist, we received invites as fashion students to attend Francesca Liberatore’s Milan Fashion Week show.
To be honest, I didn’t know much about her work beforehand, but I ended up really appreciating the show. It took place outside in a courtyard-like setting, which I was not expecting . For some reason I was under the impression that it would be inside and be dimly lit (I don’t know where I got this impression from) but the 4 inch stilettos did not do well outdoors. Anyway, it ended up really working with the aesthetic of the show. While the designs weren’t exactly my style, I admired her artistic perspective. The show opened with three models descending a metal spiral staircase. The first wore what appeared to be horns attached to a headband, topped with a small painting or sculptural image. The next two models matched the first in simple white buttoned coat-dresses, each balancing a similar framed image on their heads. Their makeup was striking—black lipstick applied only to the upper lip—and they wore black lace-up shoes. As the show continued, the palette shifted to soft, muted tones: dusty rose, pastel yellow, and occasional pops of bright teal, complemented by a mix of colorful skirts and tops. The music was edgy and intense, creating this fascinating contrast with the futuristic, almost alien-like looks. Sitting in the second row gave me a perfect view of the runway — and, of course, the celebrities (none of whom I recognized, but you could definitely tell they were someone by the swarm of cameras).
Final Thoughts
Milan Fashion Week was everything I hoped it would be — and more. From spontaneous celebrity sightings to tear-jerking exhibitions and nights that turned into mornings, the city showed me a side of fashion that felt alive, electric, and deeply human.
For a girl studying abroad, it wasn’t just about fashion; it was about feeling part of something bigger — a world fueled by creativity, passion, and beautiful chaos. And honestly? I can’t wait to go back.
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