Milan Fashion: Shows Raise Questions of Power and Identity and Reopen the File on Discrimination

The Milan Men's Fashion Week is no longer a purely artistic event; this year it has transformed into an open space for debate on deeper issues related to power, identity, and representation within the fashion industry, with shows carrying diverse messages and provoking contradictory reactions.

Prada and Redefining Masculinity

Prada presented a collection that deliberately strayed from the traditional image of masculinity, seeking to break the mold of the "dominant strong man" that has long been associated with the worlds of finance and politics. The designs featured unusual combinations and visually shocking details, reflecting the anxiety and instability that the world is experiencing today.
The looks varied between classic pieces repurposed in unexpected ways, with colors and accessories that seemed to pose more questions than provide answers, in an attempt to rethink the concept of contemporary masculinity.

Messages Beyond Fabric

The creators of the collection clarified that the goal was not to present a direct political stance, but to express a changing reality, where fashion is no longer isolated from social and economic transformations. The focus was on questioning symbols of influence and dominance, and presenting a more humane and vulnerable image of man.

Dolce & Gabbana at the Center of Criticism

In contrast, attention turned to the Dolce & Gabbana show, but for entirely different reasons. The lack of diversity among the models sparked widespread criticism, with accusations of racial representation exclusion, reigniting the discussion on the responsibility of major fashion houses to reflect the diversity of the societies they address.
Comments quickly moved from the runways to social media platforms, where the public engaged intensely with what they considered an exclusionary message in a global industry that is supposed to celebrate difference.

Old Controversy Renewed

This controversy was not isolated from a past filled with criticism, as the brand has previously faced accusations related to stereotypes and insensitive cultural appropriation, making the latest show seem, to many, an extension of a record that has yet to be closed.

Fashion Between Creativity and Responsibility

While some shows succeeded in opening an intellectual discussion about identity and power, others raised a fundamental question: Is fashion still capable of keeping pace with social transformations without falling into the trap of exclusion?