Milan Men’s Fashion Week SS16: Menswear trends spotted on the runway

Milan was abuzz with fashion week activity just a week ago as it took on the second week of Spring/ Summer 2016 shows from London’s reigns. The Italian influence was everywhere, oozing with a mature kind of adventurousness (and maybe even grandeur) to set male fashion lovers out on a quest to emulate the Milan man come summertime. Read on to discover the trends we’ve picked up from the shows.

REAL MEN WEAR PINK

Fashion’s Italian man doesn’t care for gender-specific colour codes; they’ll wear pink in a heartbeat. Designers suggested this by sending out full monochrome coordinates or little sneaks of nothing darker than the bandung hue. With unisex separates on the rise now more than ever, front row regulars barely bat an eyelid at the happy, punchy colour. It now seems to be an integral part of the modern man’s colour palette, no matter what the occasion.

ART DECO

Tasteful, hand-painted prints were in the spotlight this time, alongside brighter ensembles. From shirts to jackets to full suits, it seems no one is questioning how much wear they can get out of clothes that look this bold. That said, the wearability of these pieces look astounding, and we can’t wait to see some of them make an appearance on our favourite street stylers during fashion week very soon.

SARTORIAL NOMAD

Travellers served as inspiration to various labels this season, resulting in a mish-mash of utilitarian threads and potentially sahara-friendly frocks. Tribal prints were also spotted among some pieces, giving life to what could otherwise be a dull, neutral consistency among labels like Vivienne Westwood and MSGM. Plus, we definitely need to see more of those Aztec capes please, DSquared2.

ALL LEATHER EVERYTHING

The buttery, soft sheen on these fabrics gave us the impression of leather being used on everything from shirts, shorts, joggers and windbreakers but they could be wax-coated cottons and we wouldn’t know it. The lightweight ‘leathers’ were seen everywhere from Marni to Fendi, on their own or layered with other summer pieces. The men won’t shy away from them now.

SUITS UP, DUDES

The summer suit is familiar in seeing light on luxurious yacht trips, afternoon soirees and casual evenings out for drinks, but what if they were just as go-to in your wardrobe as your favourite T-Shirt and jeans? Designers showcased suits like they were second skin in the summer. It’s time to look a little smarter by channeling your inner Scott Disick (sans ascot) for casual Friday or brunch on the weekends.

PYJAMA PARTY

‘Clothes comfortable enough to sleep in’ was a recurring theme in some shows, with outfit after outfit of laid-back trousers, loose T-Shirts, matching nighties and silk robes. With strong leather accessories and smart shoes (think brogues, leather slip-ons and the like), the look could just work for everyday attire.

Nur Syazana H.