Fashion

MFW SS20 highlights: Jennifer Lopez broke the internet, Alia Bastamam’s first show and more

25.09.2019

By Joan Kong

MFW SS20 highlights: Jennifer Lopez broke the internet, Alia Bastamam’s first show and more

Alia Bastamam’s debut at Milan Fashion Week

There’s a familiar face in the Milan Fashion Week schedule this season, as local designer Alia Bastamam made her debut with a show scheduled at the start of the five-day event. At its venue at Volume 33, the designer showcased the RTW looks from her Spring/Summer 2020 collection which was unveiled at the recent Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week. And of course, fellow Malaysians who were also in town—celebs Neelofa, Scha Alyahya and Awal Ashaari—were there to lend their support. Models walked in her best SS20 looks to the tunes of award-winning violinist, Barbora Kolarova.

Fendi showcased its first collection after Karl Lagerfeld’s death

Last season, Fendi paid a tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld (who died a few days before Milan Fashion Week AW19) with an emotional video and finale. Fast forward seven months later, Silvia Venturini Fendi—the creative director of accessories and menswear—made her solo debut as she presented her first full womenswear collection for the brand. We love the texture play that took centre stage this season, with its signature bags such as the Baguette and Peekaboo introduced in woven straw, and also the series of looks in a plush material.

Moschino’s work of art

No stranger to kitschy designs that we have come to love, this season, creative director Jeremy Scott took inspiration from one of the greatest artists of all time—Picasso—and sent down a collection that’s a work of art. Cara Taylor walked in a giant gilded frame, brushstroke prints were emblazoned on a few get-ups and more. There were also hints of Spanish influences, which can be seen on Joan Smalls who wore a matador-like look. It was a fun show, for sure.

Jennifer Lopez’s stunning finale at Versace

Jennifer Lopez’s 2000 Grammys’ look was, no doubt, one of the most iconic red carpet looks of all time. So much so that the image inspired Google to create the Google Image Search. 19 years later, Versace revived the print in its Spring/Summer 2020 collection, with modern looks including parkas and pantsuits featuring the same motif. At the end of the show, Donatella Versace’s voice can be heard over the sound system saying: “Ok Google, now show me the real jungle dress” before Jennifer Lopez strutted down the runway in an updated version of the gown, and broke the internet all over again. It was a moment to remember, for sure.

Gucci’s mental health controversy

With a shake-up in the Milan Fashion Week SS20 schedule this season, instead of showing on day one, Gucci closed the week instead, and the brand did it with a bang. Guests were led to the red-lit showspace before the white lights turned on and models were sent down the travellator in straitjackets. That didn’t sit well with one of the models, Ayesha Tan Jones, who staged a protest by writing “mental health is not fashion” on her hands. Subsequently, the brand made a statement on Instagram, stating, “These clothes were a statement for the fashion show and will not be sold. [The jacket] is designed “to represent how through fashion, power is exercised over life, to eliminate self-expression.”

Stars galore

Fashion week is not complete without some star power, and this season it’s no different. Celebrities from around the world gather on the FROW to support their favourite brands, and did so while dressing impeccably, of course. Some of our favourite sightings include Jared Leto at Gucci, Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin at Boss, Diplo at Fendi. Check out our full list of celebs spotted here.

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