Time to shine

FLY GIRL FALL WINTER 23/24

The weather has changed bringing along gloomy days and rain, but it is not the time to be sorrowful thinking about the summer that its now past and gone. As in the air we can already feel the scent of the winter’s holiday season approaching, and the first signs of excitement for the most celebrated days of the year, let’s think about the closet, and what to wear on those festive days which are always full of events and party occasions. In the Fly Girl FW 2023/2024 collection there are many proposals suitable for evening and for the most dazzling moments of the year, with beautiful midi dresses and long dresses, body- hugging or flowing,Β  that have an almost ’40s glamorous style, in glowing and glossy fabrics, to shine just like a Hollywood star. The colors are intense and varied, from mauve to violet passing through lilac and all its shades, and from light blue to turquoise, aviator blue, bottle-green. This highly glamorous inspiration does not spare even the suit, a fashion staple so on trend this season, which is styled in a seductive and decisive cut.
Fly Girl is one of the most sought-after Italian brands, offering products capable of keeping the perfect balance between the latest trends and the desire to offer its clients a sense of timeless elegance.
Last but not least, another strong point of this brand is an impressively good value for money.
Fly Girl is defenetely a brand to keep in mind. If you are a retailer, you can order the FW 2023/2024 FLY GIRL Collection through us. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information, we will be happy to help.

Oversize glamour

An oversize suit by Italian brand Flygirl

The oversize clothingΒ  is a fashion trend that probably none of us has failed to notice in the past few years.Β  Season after season, in fact, we have seen trousers, tops, blazers and coats, becoming dramatically wider, longer, and larger. Influential designers on the Italian and international fashion scene in recent times have ever more focused on the creation of a sophisticated urban style with innovative shapes and exaggerated proportions. On their side, fashion consumers have enthusiastically embraced the trend, be it for its aesthetics, or for a new, more compelling desire for comfort. Could it be that after the pandemic our lifestyle has evolved towards softer patterns, nurturing an increased awareness of the need for a slower pace in our society?Β  If the answer is yes, these changes are certainly mirroring a new attitude towards fashion too, as the demand for trendy loose-fitted clothing tells about the modern woman’s desire for an original contemporary style, capable of being unique, refined and relaxed at once.
But to avoid misrepresentations of this new aesthetic, let’s not confuse it with the ‘grunge’ look, which also has often been characterized by extra-large garments. That 80s’ / 90s’ trend, as well as all its more recent reminiscences, was in fact strictly limited to casual clothing and street-style, whereas the contemporary oversize trend we are here referring to encompasses sophisticated designs capable of expressing elegance and charisma. Just think about the recent popularity of the oversize suit – a glamorous andΒ Β  empowering modern twist to a classic fashion staple – that has become a must-have in all the latest collections by the most renowned fashion brands. Not only the styles are smart and classy:Β  fabrics are luxurious, and the tailoring is well-structured and impeccable,Β  carefully avoiding the risk that what is ‘oversize’ gets wrongly perceived as ‘sloppy’ instead. Not crossing the line between oversize and too-large or wrongly fitted,Β  in fact, could be tricky, yet to an expert eye this boundary is unmistakable: if the garment fits in some key areas and there is an appropriateΒ  balance, and – mostly – if it exudes style, creativity, and elegance in the overall, then the garment is as it was intended. One could see in oversize clothing a display of the gender fluid approach to fashion, or even an androgynous inspiration. More obviously, the oversize trend tries to define a more subtle sensuality,Β  where the feminine shape is notΒ  immediately revealed by fitted clothing, but just perceived under a wider amount of fabric, accompanied by a sense of strength, self-confidence, and glamorous uniqueness.

Oversize blazer by Manila Grace
by OperΓ 

Milan Fashion Week: the highlights

The Milan Fashion Week just came to an end few days ago, presentingΒ  fabulous Italian collections for Spring Summer 2023, beautifully designed garments that fashionistas around the world will be able try on next season in the most exquisite boutiques and stores.
With over 200 appointments, between shows and events, and thousands of visitors – buyers, models, photographer…and the many tourists attracted by the typical glamour of the sector – Milan Fashion Week has been an excellent opportunity to restart the Italian fashion industry at a fast pace after the recent difficult years.
Although we appreciated every moment of it, here is a list of our highlights, that is what we loved the most.

Armani

The Spring Summer collection 2023Β  by Armani was enchanting and wonderful as always. Giorgio Armani lives true to himself with very recognizable designs that remain within a clear stylistic sign, where lightness and natural elegance are predominant. Fil d’Or (Golden Thread)- the name of Giorgio Armani’sΒ  collection – alludes to the abundancy of sparkle, from the use of both Β  shimmering and luminous materials and details, to bring, as the designer says, a little light in these turbulent days. But it is a soft sparkle, not a loud one, consistent with the classicism and the delicacy that has always distinguished the brand. The Armani show presented more than fifty looks, with elongated silhouettes, fluid lines, in softΒ  and lightly coloured looks, both in the typical Armani’s neutral tones, as sand and pale grey, and in an unexpected declination of the blue colour in different shades.

Moncler

One of the most memorable events in this edition of the Milan Fashion Week was undoubtedly the Moncler’s show. The brand celebrated its 70th anniversary in the spectacular Piazza del Duomo, kicking off a 70-day program of international events. In honour of the brand’s foundation date, the show involved a total of 1952 people. Musicians, models, and dancers, all identically and choreographically dressed in white with the iconic Maya down jacket.

Gucci
Also surprising was the Gucci show, whose creative director Alessandro Michele explored the theme of identical twins. The designer imagined and realised a show marked by a very theatrical taste, staging 68 pairs of identical twins. The show featuredΒ  amazing styles for the next Spring Summer season, mostly centered on a reinterpretation of the late ’70s and ’80s.

Elisabetta Franchi

Elisabetta Franchi displayed an exciting collection, drawing inspiration from the Latin world on the Southern hemisphere. A sensual collection packed with very feminine dresses, relying on the subtle contrast between sexy silhouettes, on the one hand,Β  and the use of sophisticated neutrals only –Β  white, cream, beige, chocolate brown – on the other hand. Mini skirts alternate with long ones, featuring fringes as a recurring motive. The geometrical theme and the use of ethnic prints areΒ  pervading the entire collection, gifting it with a sense of tribal elegance.

Moschino

Extravagant and ironic as usual MoschinoΒ  has developed an ‘inflatable couture’ theme. The 2023 Spring Summer show by Moschino in Milan, in fact, featured an array of colorful styles of dresses and suits, everywhere accessorized with unexpected beach inflatables details. Because ‘ there’s no freedom without chaos” , as the designer once said.

Tod’s

At Tod’s the Spring Summer 2023Β  collection offers once again a perfectly classic and wearable wardrobe, devoid of any extravagant accent. And as always, the emphasis is on the exceptional quality of the materials used and the tailoring knowledge.

Hottest summer ever, what to wear?

Record high temperatures are reported all over western Europe  these days, and it is becoming ever more difficult to feel comfortable in this extreme weather.  For all of us who are not yet enjoying the  sea breeze on a sunbed, with a mojito in one hand and a good book in the other, the thought of the approaching holidays is the one and only solace.
But in the meanwhile, a fundamental question for everyone right now is: what to wear in this unreasonably hot weather? We have put together some ideas to help you beat the heat in style in this  super warm summer. Here are our helpful hints:

  1. Choose your fabric right
    Whatever the style, make sure you go for fabrics that can keep your body cool and dry. One of the best options for Β really warm temperatures is linen. This natural and noble fabric has many good qualities. It is antiallergic, comfortable, and absorbent. Linen drives heat away from the body, which is the reason why it is one of the most recommended fabrics for warm weather. Also, linen is a very resistant and durable fabric, so you can be sure that, whatever the price you pay, your garment in linen will last for long.
    Silk is also a perfect choice for a really warm day. Elegant and Β beautiful to wear and to look at, silk is light and soft on the skin, and can keep you cool on every summer occasion. Another good option for the hot weather is viscose, which is similar to silk in terms of fluidity and softness, although it is less expensive than silk. Summer dresses in viscose are always really fresh and comfortable to wear, and a perfect choice for many different situations, including the beach.
Linen dress by Italian fashion brand Iconique

2. Total white
Choosing your colour right also makes a bigΒ difference to the way you may feel under the fiery sun. As we all know, dark colours absorb more light and heat than Β clear ones, so the total white look is Β obviously a recurrent favourite every summer. White summer dresses always have an irresistible, effortlessly chic appeal, while white trousers are undoubtedly one of the most elegant and classy choices for the summer, especially when they are paired with a blazer in the same nuance.

Total white look by Italian fashion brand Rosso 35

3. Cut-outs and slit
Cut-out dresses and slits have the double advantage of being extremely sexy, making at the same time the perfect solution for the hottest days.
A skin-revealing dress – be it through naked shoulders, an open back, or Β sculpted bits of the abdomen – can surely make you feel fresh in the extreme summer weather. This is also one of the hottest trends right now. It started in 2021 and followed us through almost all Italian Spring Summer collections in 2022. Surely Β it’s a style that will be around for a while.

4. Sundresses
This is definitely the most comfortable and versatile summer piece. Italian fashion brands have designed many different styles of sundresses this season, that can be as good for the beach as for any special occasion – just paired them with the right shoes and complementing accessories. Thanks to their unstructured shape, sundresses are extremely easy Β to wear, comfortable and perfectly fresh.

5. Bright colours
Bright colours are a synonym of summer.
This year fuchsia and hot pink have been the undisputed masters of all colours on the runaways, followed by electric blue, kiwi green, lemon, and the rainbow of all the different neon hues in between. These bright and happy colours keep us cool during the hot days of summer, also benefiting our mood, with their energising power and optimistic vibe.
A neon monochromatic outfit will give you an absolutely glamorous allure, but even just one piece in a vibrant bright hue can be enough to create a statement-making outfit.

5. Co-ords sets
Co-ords sets are totally on-trend this summer, and are one of your best options if you wish to dress Β with no effort. In fact, there is no easier way to get trendy than with a co-ord set. These two pieces are designed to look good together, and offer a wonderful, easy alternative to traditional outfits for Β every occasion. Although co-ordinated sets come in every fabric and style, most often this two-piece outfit Β is made of cropped tops and sleeveless blouses, and/or a miniskirt or a pair of shorts.

Fashion, the future is fluid

While most part of the older generation is still struggling with the mere notion of gender fluidity, in this very moment, out there, countless millennial and Z generation shoppers are searching for  inspiration, buying clothes that can freely and creatively express a newly defined – or undefined – sexual identity. For these open-minded new generations who don’t fit in a box, gender fluidity is  a very clear concept that is becoming a key factor even for the fashion sector.  Both designers and retailers are starting to take this into account, in order to be able to respond to a demand that comes from an increasingly diverse clientele. But how would one define a gender fluid style?  The concept goes well beyond the idea of subverting the fashion clichΓ©s so deeply rooted in our culture. Blue is for boys and pink for girls, we were thought, but just changing the rules is not sufficient now.
And it is not about creating or selling unisex clothing either, in the sense of  neutral clothes that uniform and minimise sexuality. We could say that
while unisex collections are an understatement of gender and sexuality, levelling male and female designs  under rather anonymous clothing, on the contrary  gender fluid fashion is a fierce statement about the freedom to exhibit a very personal style, an unexpected self-portrait that disregards all gender norms and celebrates diversity. It’s about the right to represent  everyone’s own sexual identity, beyond all ancient boundaries, taking in the fact that the perspective may change at any time.  The results may be  surprising some times at first sight, but they are often amazing in terms of style, innovation,  creativity and expressiveness.
Obviously, the softening of the borders that  divide  genders is  becoming a new source of inspiration, and fashion brands are increasingly proposing fluid atmospheres, designing garments that can appeal to both the feminine and the masculine, seeking an interpretation that is not binary,  where a personal style, creative and unique – from the gender point of view as well  – can take shape.
Italian fashion, as a world leader in terms of forward-thinking and creativity, is not going to step behind in the acknowledgment of the new gender perception. In Italy, the gender fluid fashion was anticipated, years back, by Italian designer, Giorgio  Armani. The most peculiar trait of Armani, in fact,
has always been a fluid inspiration, capable of moving graciously from the female to the male universe  and back, claiming and merging, for both genders indistinctively, sweetness and empowerment. Already at the beginning of the 80s’ Armani deconstructed the male ⁹ in order to adapt it elegantly to the feminine body, and started making male garments with soft fabrics, gifting the masculine wardrobe with effortlessly sophisticated  pieces that, before then, belonged only to women.


At the beginning of FW 21/22  season, Italian luxury brand Gucci has launched MX, a gender fluid collection with its own dedicated section even on the official website. Presenting the collection, the Italian world-wide famous brand has clearly stated its intention, which is to celebrate self-expression in the name of  gender equality, and to emphasize the dissolving lines of the gender divide,  portraying the masculine and the feminine as very ephemeral and relative concepts. This dynamic and pioneering starting point will surely reflect on future collections by  other brands, both Italian and international, be it high-end collections, or ready-to-wear productions,  encouraging designers to take similar assertive steps towards inclusiveness. Let’s take note, as this is certainly not just a trend, but rather the evidence of a new cultural behaviour that is here to stay.

Gucci’s new MX Collection
Gucci’s new MX Collection

Geometric prints and patterns: a trend to watch out for

Geometric patterns have been all over the runways since a while, and this season is no exception to the consistency of this trend. Collections for the coming  FW 2021 Italian fashion are also featuring a variety of geometric patterns.  Classic check patterns, ‘pied-de-poule’ and tartan prints; small and large stripes – in monochrome or multicoloured; large modern prints  or retro mini-prints that repeat geometric motives: all of this is too be seen throughout every category of Italian fashion’s womanswear in the coming months, in styles that go from casual and fun-to wear, to classic and statement-making outfits. Be prepared!

Rinascimento: Living la Dolce Vita

One of the most loved Italian brands, at home and abroad, Rinascimento embodies a concept of elegance and feminine beauty that is very graceful and  delicate. Rinascimento clothing are always capable of reflecting the new fashion trends, and are inspired by a modern and  refined young woman who is romantic and glamorous at the same time. Collections by Rinascimento have a classical appeal, which is softened by a general airiness in the lines, colours and fabrics. The brand focuses particularly on its  exquisite dresses, featuring an array of details, like pleats, layers, and fine ruffles, as well as a profusion of delicate decorative motives and embellishments. The colour palette tends more towards sorbet hues and soft tones rather than bold ones. Every collection offers an extremely large variety of styles, with a particular focus on party dresses, formal gowns, and attires. The brand is in fact renowned for its stylish and fashionable dresses perfect for every special occasion, ceremony or event.
Rinascimento‘s story started in the Italian region of Emilia Romagna back in the ’60s, a place and a time infused with joy, glamour, abundance, and the love for life and all its pleasures: in other words, la Dolce Vita, which is the same spirit that can still be perceived in all collections by this brand. Since the beginning, clothing by Rinascimento are designed and  made in Italy, relying on a traditional sartorial know-how which is particularly noticeable in that region. The fame of Rinascimento has grown incessantly in the last two decades, as the brand embraced the fast-fashion model, consistently supplying a very wide assortment of fashionable and stylish clothing  through an extremely rapid time frame. The brand expanded both in Italy and abroad, and is now available in more than 90 countries, with over 7000 stores worldwide selling Rinascimento garments. Impressive figures, that brings the brand at the highest level of the ready-to wear sector. Rinascimento was also one of the first Italian brand to offer a B2B e-commerce  platform, allowing retailers to benefit from a flexible selling channel and real-time inventory. Read more on Rinascimento on the official website: www. Rinascimento.com


Contemporary chic by Aniye By

Aniye By is one of the fastest growing Italian brands in terms of popularity, as well as one of the most imaginative.  Aniye By creates unique collections, particularly loved by the young and cosmopolitan fashionistas. The brand’s inspiration comes from an original blend of styles, where vintage fashion and punk atmospheres from the rocking ’80s,  cohabit with contemporary silhouettes, bold colours, and trendy prints. 
Collections by Aniye By are not for the faint of heart, as they express a strong femininity that can be  rigorous and elegant sometimes, or  daring and extravagant other times. Yet the mood is always tremendously chic and modern.
Long, voluminous dresses alternates with short and  sexy bodycon dresses, just as romantic tulle in a rainbow of strong hues take turns with lather and faux-lather in black or metallic shades. The cutting-edge garments created by Aniye By are complemented by a line of accessories, including bags and shoes.
There is also a gorgeous beachwear collection, with bikini and one-piece styles featuring animalier prints, neon colour palettes, and intriguing lace inserts.
Products by Aniye By are entirely designed and  made in Italy, and the brand is deeply rooted in the Italian traditional sartorial expertise. Find more about this brand on Aniye By’s official website on http://www.aniyeby.com

Italian style on the beach: the success story of Calzedonia

When you think about Italian fashion, the first pictures coming to mind are the ones of  sophisticated and  stylish ‘ensembles’: stunning models in gorgeous suits or dresses that are perfectly designed to enhance the beauty of their sculptural bodies, complemented by luxurious and refined  accessories, exquisitely crafted. It may come as a surprise, then, to know that one of the most prominent Italian fashion brands, both at home and abroad, is related to something much more unstructured and simpler: bikinis.
We are talking about Calzedonia, one  of the world’s most known brands for beachwear. The Calzedonia group ranks, in terms of turnover, among the leading Italian fashion companies,  with a staggering 2.4  billions Euro recorded in 2019, just next to top names such as Armani.
Calzedonia actually started as a label specialised in socks,  stockings, and tights, and that is where the name came from (in Italian ‘calze’ means stockings). The beach collection was added shortly after, achieving immediately an unprecedented success. Since the very beginnings, the winning strategy of Calzedonia lied in the concept of beachwear collections featuring a large and gorgeous variety of styles, with an abundance of prints and colours, always in line with the latest fashion trends.  New and different collections released  every year, in combination with  both high quality standards and  reasonable prices, are other reasons of the brand’s success.  Since its foundation in 1987, the brand  has been growing incessantly  and  has now over 2000 shops around the world. These beautiful bikinis can be bought almost everywhere: Milan, Rome, Paris, London, Barcelona, Moscow, and many other city centers around the world, and are also available online on Calzedonia’s official website: https//www.Calzedonia.com.
Within the Calzedonia’s group there are  6 fashion brands, each  dedicated to a specific category, including Intimissimi, probably the most famous  Italian chain for underwear, whose success is largely due to amazing advert campaigns that glorify the beauty of some of the world’s most famous models. Products designed by Intimissimi are refined but sexy, chic  and minimalist at once,  a blend that  is not quite granted in the segment. The Calzedonia group has been constantly increasing its presence on the international market,  and 64 % of its stores are located abroad.  The group offers its collections exclusively in single-brand stores,  operating through the franchising model, or directly under the group’s ownership.

Dreaming of a faraway land

Manila Grace is a sophisticated Italian brand whose creations are always permeated by a multi-cultural inspiration. Collections by Manila Grace are enriched with the most diverse influences, and are evocative of faraway places and wonderful stories to tell. Garments by this brand are made relying mostly on natural fabrics – like cotton, linen, silk, and fine wool like alpaca, mohair and cachemere. Shapes are deconstructed, and lines are soft and fluid, while colours are dominated by complex and subtle tones and shades. The use of traditional dyeing and printing techniques – that are at times inspired to ancient cultures – adds an extra exotic inspiration to these beautiful garments. An absolute care for the smallest detail and the finishing, often based on the use of luxurious embellishments, together with the exquisite handcraft expertise, contribute to the smooth and polished feel of all collections signed by this superb brand. The result is a unique and cosmopolitan style, very modern, casual and refined at once, able to cover all occasions, from mundane to the most exclusive. The brand also offers a range of pretty accessories – bags, shoes, scarves…- to complete each and every look. You can visitManila Grace’s official website at: www.manilagrace.com