As part of my master’s program at Antwerp Management School, I spent a month at the Domus Academy in Milan. The objective of the residency was to provide a deep understanding of the luxury industry.
But how exactly did I make the leap from the Domus Academy to Milan Fashion Week?
Thanks to contacts with Italian suppliers that I had established during my cooperative bachelor’s degree, I was able to find out the names of the responsible agencies. These agencies place dressers for the respective shows. Dressers help the models get dressed before the show and, of course, manage the quick outfit changes during the runway run.
I had the opportunity to work for three different brands. What follows are some of the photos and impressions I gathered backstage.
February 23, 2022 – Alberta Ferretti
A solid collection with few surprises, but masterful craftsmanship: this is how Alberta Ferretti’s collection can be described. The target audience is a woman with a bit more life experience who appreciates feathers, capes, and hats. What stood out most positively was the backstage team, which operated with utmost professionalism; there were plenty of professionals with the necessary expertise on-site. Furthermore, this show attracted by far the largest press presence.
February 26, 2022 – Ports 1961
Ports delivered what was arguably the most modern collection of the trio. Without a doubt, the brand succeeded in masterfully playing with contrasts: romantic elements like ruffles, pleated dresses, or corsets paired with rugged leather boots worked beautifully. Ports stood out distinctively, thanks in large part to its modern model casting.
February 26, 2022 – Trussardi
Unfortunately, the backstage experience at Trussardi was the most chaotic of all. Communication was occasionally nonexistent, and essential decisions were made just moments before the show, likely due to a lack of alignment within the team. On the runway, however, the collection fared much better than initially expected. The vibe was distinctly urban, Gen Z, and en vogue, which was also reflected in what was arguably the most diverse model casting I saw across all three shows.
After my time at the fashion weeks in Berlin and Paris, Milan was yet another completely unique experience, and I am incredibly grateful to have had this opportunity and to now be able to share it with all of you!