From September 24th to the 27th, fylí hosted a small group of key investors and entrepreneurs to have an in-depth and exclusive look at Italy’s Diversity, Inclusion, and, Sustainability initiatives experience during Milan Fashion Week. The experience was curated by global culture visionary, advisor, and catalyst, Orietta Pelizzari, who personally saw guests through viewings of designer collections, meet-and-greets with showroom owners, catwalk presentations, and participation in D&I and Impact workshops. “Now more than ever, the Italian fashion industry is seeking more sustainable practices, greater diversity and inclusion, and impactful international relations,” explains Orietta Pelizzari. “This curated Milan Fashion Week experience is a huge leap in the right direction to support these initiatives.”
On day one, we hit the ground running with an introduction to Orietta Pelirazzi at the “Fashion Hub Market” at the ADI Museum. The entire ADI Museum had displays of upcoming designers, the KIA Designer Awards participant’s pieces, and help catwalk presentations.
Tiziano Guardini was the first presentation held at the ADI Museum. The Tiziano Guardini SS23 presentation was the perfect way to kick off all the excitement during the MFW experience. Guadini’s SS23 collection celebrated the 10th anniversary of the brand with gorgeous kimonos with prints and embroidery. The presentation was lively, and the limited edition pieces were worn by dancers who performed throughout the show.
Next up, on day one of fylí’s Milan Fashion Week experience, our group had the opportunity to view the winner of the CNMI Social Impact Award MFW22, Ara Lumiere SS23 collection. Ara Lumiere is a collective of designers and gives voice to women who have survived acid attacks. The Hothur Foundation and Kulsum Shadab Wahab, titled this season’s collection “The Unbound,” celebrate the freedom of self-expression through art. While walking through the installation, a few survivors were on stage, hand-painting dresses displayed for the SS23 presentation.
We finished wrapped day one by attending the “The Power Words” Presentation. The Power of Words by Thalé Blanc is the brain child of Deb Sawaf. The concept came from the idea of having a positive impact an break down stigma surrounding mental health through fashion. Each piece in the collection has positive words that are meant to empower the person wearing them and the people reading them off the garment.
The evening was not without some excellent food and fun. At each guest table setting were custom-made place cards; one was the menu, and the other with three questions for each guest at their table to answer during their introduction. The menu was curated and sponsored by the upcoming hospitality group