Independent brands shine at Milan Fashion Week SS26

Milan Fashion Week's Fashion Hub, promoted by the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, showcased emerging designers focused on responsibility, inclusivity, and innovation. Chelsea Jean Lamm presented a collection using reclaimed materials and custom textile developments, redefining beauty through sustainability. Liwen Liang, from Jingdezhen, China, fused ultra-thin ceramic sheets (0.4 mm) with fabrics to create lightweight, sculptural garments after three years of experimentation. Maxivive, led by Papa Oyeyemi, debuted the 7562RJ collection addressing trauma and resilience, in dialogue with paintings by Ronald Ophuis, using upcycled materials and intricate embroidery. KNWLS (Charlotte Knowles and Alex Arsenault) showed for the first time outside London, presenting their SS26 collection 'Sinergy' in Milan. Their collaboration with Nike produced hybrid garments combining Flyknit corsets, waterproof and photorreflective skirts, and a sneaker hybrid between a clog and Air Max. The show evoked London rave culture. Îacaré, founded by Bolivian entrepreneur Sarah Maria Gutierrez, debuted 'Origins' at Rossana Orlandi gallery, focusing on Yacaré caiman leather, with an immersive installation by Mandalaki Studio and soundscape by Paolo Tocci. Other debuts included GIO by Giovanni Gerosa (knitwear), Guess Jeans by Nicolai Marciano with workshops by artists Diego Flores, Flavia Veronesi, and Valentina De Zanche, plus Francesco Murano, Giuseppe di Morabito, and INSTI.Erika del Prete.