How Milan Fashion Week Shows Us We Are All a Pile of Garbage

Jeremy Scott shows us his “trash-chic” collection, while Gucci tells us that headscarves are back.

Models showcase Moschino’s fall-winter 2017-18 collection in Milan, Italy on February 23 2017. (Photo: AP)

I write this not from Milan, but from behind my cosy desk on the ninth floor of my office building in Noida. But even sitting miles away, I have got the message that Jeremy Scott was trying to convey through his powerful collection for Moschino at the Milan Fashion Week 2017 loud and clear.

Jeremy wanted us to look inwards, at our grotesque levels of consumption, and how they are wrecking our planet. How? By literally making his beautiful models walk down the ramp in ‘garbage couture’.

Models walk in chic ‘garbage couture’ for Moschino’s fall-winter collection. (Photo: AP)

And you know what? We needed this. We needed a glorious ramp in Milan — seen by the who’s who of the world, including some of the richest people on the planet — to show us how we are a walking pile of environmental hazard. No matter how uneasy it made us feel.

A model wears a Moschino creation with wrappers of all kinds thrown in. (Photo: AP)

With cardboard boxes as caps and toilet paper as bags, we got the message loud and clear – to rethink our consumption habits. Now.

A model wears a hat made from cardboard. (Photo: AP)

Fashion designer Jeremy Scott’s collection for Moschino included a hat made from a tin box. (Photo: AP)

A cycle wheel makes its ramp debut during the Milan Fashion Week. (Photo: AP)

Scott walks down the catwalk after unveiling his collection for Moschino. (Photo: AP)

Moving beyond the socially striking collection, let us take a look at some of the subtler style notes, informing you of which is now part of my professional duties.

Shoulder Pads Are Big (Literally)

Let your shoulders do the talking. At least that’s what Moschino and Prada will have you believe.

Big shoulders were clearly a trend at the Moschino show. (Photo: AP).

A model showcases Prada’s fall-winter collection. (Notice her 90s shoes.) (Photo: AP)

Also take a look at the nineties’ inspired shoes. Yes, the ones that you threw away a few years back because they were too loud. Well, now they have made a comeback. Life and fashion are both cyclical, my sweethearts.

Scarves Are Back!

Gucci’s collection – dubbed The Alchemist’s Garden – was an ode to the 60s, and while we may not able to afford their clothes, we can certainly take some inspiration from them and restart wearing headscarves.

Gucci’s collection – dubbed The Alchemist’s Garden – was an ode to the 60s, (Photo: AP)

Even Moschino agrees. It pairs up its headscarves with old retro glasses. So the next time someone tells you to stop being stuck in the fifties, show them this.

Moschino pairs up headscarves with old retro glasses. (Photo: AP)

Say Yes to Zigzag Stripes

Let them not make you dizzy any more. For it’s time to embrace them in your life.

Models feature creations from Emilio Pucci’s collection. (Photo: AP)

Say yes to zigzag stripes, like these models from Emilio Pucci. (Photo: AP)

Let a Bit (Sorry, Lots) of Neon Add Brightness To Your Life

Wow, Emilio Pucci really showed a lot of neon love in its collection. And although one wouldn’t advise you to wear their fringed hat (that might prove extremely problematic for your vision), we do think the neon will add some brightness to your wardrobe. (You’ve anyway been thinking about moving away from black, right?)

Models in Emilio Pucci creations turn the stage neon. (Photo: AP)

We’re all for Emilio Pucci’s neon love. But don’t wear that hat, we implore you. (Photo: AP)

Neon orange is the new black. Ask the guys at Emilio Pucci. (Photo: AP)

Fringes are quite popular on the runways these days. Also notice the one-shouldered top in green with billowy sleeves that’s a part of Emilio Pucci’s fall-winter collection. (Photo: AP)

A model shows off an Emilio Pucci creation. (Photo: AP)

Reds And Browns All Over

Red can match with red. Brown can match with brown. You don’t need to introduce a contrasting colour to your outfit and you certainly don’t need to shy away from looking like Red Riding Hood. (Hey, don’t put it on me. Look up Max Mara and Annakiki for inspiration.)

There’s no such thing as too much red. Or so Max Mara would have us believe. (Photo: AP)

You don’t need to shy away from looking like Red Riding Hood. Look up Annakiki’s collection for inspiration. (Photo: AP)

A model paints the ramp red in this Annakiki number. (Photo: AP)

Max Mara shows how you can do brown on brown. (Photo: AP)

Being Miss Bossypants

A model wearing a corduroy suit with 90s-style flashy buttons, as part of Emilio Pucci’s fall-winter collection. (Photo: AP)

This one, my favourite, is for all you Miss Bossypants. Because that should never be an insult, and always a compliment!