an Editor’s Milan Diary: Real Fashion Week Moments Off the Runway

fashion week is full of shows, events and stories. during Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026, we documented some of the small, special moments captured off the glamorous runways. This is our fashion diary from Milan, a more intimate and personal look at the city that differs from the official show reports.

memorable moment 1: Bottega Veneta’s ‘bag’ invitation

during fashion week, one of the things that excites an editor the most are the show invitations, and this season, Bottega Veneta’s first show with Louise Trotter at the helm was one of the most anticipated. What emerged from the giant mailer was a single object with a leather handle. lifting the handle, it transformed into a bucket bag silhouette reminiscent of the brand’s signature ‘intrecciato’ weave. this practical two-way invitation, in ivory and dark brown, set the bar high for his debut show, and many guests actually carried it to the show as a bag.

memorable moment 2: Demna’s Gucci movie theater and international stars

on Demna’s first day as Gucci’s new creative director, the former Balenciaga boss hosted a surprise movie theater instead of a traditional runway show. the experience of watching his short film in an intimate cinema, sitting side by side with Demna, BTS’s Jean, Demi Moore, Gwyneth Feltro, and other international stars, was something I’ll never forget. Unlike a typical show, experiencing the collection in the same room with a movie was a very fresh and unique experience.

editor’s favorite space: Fondazione Prada

fondazione Prada is a non-profit art foundation and multicultural space run by Prada. it’s one of my favorite places to visit whenever I’m in Milan. during fashion week, it’s always crowded and hard to take your time, but this time I took the time to explore every nook and cranny before the shows started.

• new exhibit: an exhibition of analog films by filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu and “Atlas,” a colorful installation by contemporary artists in the Tower, provided an artistic experience that could have inspired Prada’s colors.
• bar Luce: a cozy café designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson. their signature dessert, a fruit floral-style “fruit cocktail,” was the perfect sugar fix and visual treat for our busy editor.

a Taste of Milan: Memories of Pizza for One

after a hectic schedule, we visited a pizzeria that we had read about in broadcaster Kim Na-young’s travelogue. We tried the ‘1 for 1’ pizza like the locals do in Italy, marveling at the thin, crispy dough and the perfect balance of sauce and cheese. It was a moment that reminded us that pizza is different in Italy.