ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Romanticism and Fear: Milan Fashion Week 2019

festival-fair · 2026-05-04

February 2019's Milan Fashion Week showcased a climate of sociopolitical anxiety. Miuccia Prada's presentation on February 21 delved into themes of 'romanticism and fear,' drawing inspiration from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, blending utilitarian and romantic styles. A standout outfit featured a grey-green military jacket with padded sleeves paired with a sky-blue shirt and a sheer black lace slip dress. Prada voiced her worries regarding political unrest in Europe. On February 24, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana unveiled a maximalist collection with 124 looks, nodding to the 1940s and 1980s. Meanwhile, Alessandro Michele's Gucci show on February 20 showcased models in fetish masks, proclaiming, 'A mask is empty but also full,' while an oversized hourglass silhouette became a shared trend among designers.

Key facts

  • Milan Fashion Week took place in February 2019.
  • Miuccia Prada's show was on February 21, 2019.
  • Prada's collection was inspired by Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
  • Prada described the current mood as 'romanticism and fear'.
  • Prada's runway featured foam lamellas and models with Wednesday Addams braids.
  • Dolce & Gabbana's show on February 24 had 124 looks referencing 1940s and 1980s.
  • Alessandro Michele's Gucci show on February 20 used masks and spiked collars.
  • Multiple designers featured oversized hourglass silhouettes with padded shoulders.

Entities

Artists

  • Miuccia Prada
  • Domenico Dolce
  • Stefano Gabbana
  • Alessandro Michele
  • Donatella Versace
  • Jean Claude Montana

Institutions

  • Prada
  • Dolce & Gabbana
  • Gucci
  • Bottega Veneta
  • Fendi
  • Versace
  • Camera della Moda
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Milan
  • Italy
  • Palazzo Reale
  • Europe

Sources