Fashion and design – The return to the runways at Milan Fashion Week is spotlighted by the foreign press. In an edition where “pragmatism prevailed” (Financial Times, September 26 – Cool, calm and commercial in Milan*), the trademarks “reap the rewards of real shows” (Financial Times, September 28 – In Milan, brands reap the rewards of real shows*) and are attempting to “go back to normal” (September 28 in The New York Times – In Milan, Fashion Tries to Go Back to Normal. What Does That Even Mean?*; Le Nouvel Observateur – Fashion week : quand l’Italie réapprend la joie).
The various outlets report the choices made by the brands (Les Echos, September 29 – Fashion Week de Milan : le choix de la rédaction en 8 silhouettes): Valentino has abandoned “central Paris for a foundry on the outskirts of Milan” (Reuters, September 27 – Valentino picks Milan over Paris for rare live fashion show), while Armani is broadcasting its collection on primetime television. (Reuters, September 27 – Armani takes over prime-time TV for catwalk in the time of COVID). And if “King George” is “playing the comfort card,” Versace is proposing a “new world” of fashion (Le Monde, September 28 – A la Milan Fashion Week, Versace s’évade et Giorgio Armani joue la carte du confort, September 25 – A la Milan Fashion Week, Prada et Emporio Armani jouent la carte de la sobriété*). Prada and its minimalism have also attracted coverage in Reuters and The Guardian (September 24 – Prada returns to minimalist roots for first joint collection; Prada and Raf Simons’ debut in Milan is bright and harmonious).
The international press also recounts the “We Are Made in Italy” young stylists’ initiative to spotlight the need for diversity and multiculturalism in Italian fashion (The Guardian, September 27 – We Are Made in Italy: digital fashion show highlights Italian diversity; The Washington Post, September 28 – Milan fashion gives small opening to Black Lives Matter) with an interview with Italian/Hatian stylist Stella Jean who “mixes activism and aesthetics” (Financial Times, September 29 – ‘Fashion should be progressive’ — Stella Jean on multiculturalism in Milan*).
The newspapers have also run a profile of Maria Grazia Chiuri, the “first woman at the artistic helm of Diorm” who has “imposed a simple, portable, feminist, and above all successful fashion” (Le Monde, September 24 – Maria Grazia Chiuri, l’atout en or de Dior), and Financial Times in its How To Spend It supplement, pays a visit to her attic in Rome (September 29 – Maria Grazia Chiuri MMXX: the Roman vision at the heart of Dior *).
Lastly, The New York Times Style Magazine offers the interiors of the colourful, cosy home of the designer Nicolò Castellini Baldissera who is back in Milan, where “his heart has always resided” (September 28 – A Colorful Homecoming for a Milanese Designer*).
Culture, tourism, food – A number of articles dedicated to Italy can also be found in the cultural pages of the international dailies. While The Wall Street Journal recounts how Elena Ferrante’s books offer “unfettered access to Italy’s most impenetrable city” – Naples (September 25 – Elena Ferrante’s ‘My Brilliant Friend’ Is Like a Trip to Naples. Only Better.* ), El Mundo reveals the creative process of the Wu Ming collective of Italian writers, recounting how a book by ten authors is written (September 25 – Wu Ming: “Somos como un grupo de rock en el que todos tocamos el mismo instrumento”).
Other articles concentrate on cinema: El País reviews all the film adaptations of Pinocchio, starting from the latest film by Matteo Garrone (September 28 – El eterno retorno de Pinocho), while Le Monde visits the Annecy Italian Film Festival (September 28 – Le Festival du cinéma italien d’Annecy tourne le dos à la dolce vita*). In craftsmanship, The New York Times Style Magazine recounts how a new generation is giving new life to the tradition of Murano glassmakers (September 30 – Murano Glass, an Ancient Art Revived), while El País, in collaboration with the Lonely Planet tour guide, discusses the “Mediterranean essence” of Liguria from Camogli to Lerici, with tips for cultural visits and wine & food tours (October 1 – Hedonismo y ‘bellezza’ en la Riviera italiana). Lastly, food takes centre stage in an article by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung dedicated to a “substantial dish” like baked tagliatelle (September 29 – Italienisches Studentenmahl).
*Article available for pay / at registration