Catwalk Milan 2025: Fashion, Art, and Humanity at the Excelsior Hotel Gallia

Milan Fashion Week is a spectacle of glamour, and the fifth edition of Catwalk Milano, a special event curated by Gianluigi Resta of GR Events & Communication and directed by Titti Baiocchi, was held on September 29th in the Sala Duomo of the Excelsior Hotel Gallia, captured the city’s spirit of elegance, artistry, and solidarity.

A Scene Set for Style

Even before entering the venue, the scene outside hinted at the magic within. Models with hairpins and curlers lingered by the side stage door, while seamstresses hurried past with gowns trailing across their arms, struggling to keep the delicate fabrics from brushing the pavement. Most likely owned by a hotel guest, a lime-green Lamborghini, parked at a slant, added an unmistakable flourish of fashion-week extravagance.

Inside, the hotel lobby was reimagined as a gallery with works by Pavel Kir and Elena Giunco. Kir’s canvases were whimsical yet precise, defined by strong lines and playful abstract figures that radiated energy. Giunco’s pieces, by contrast, were ethereal: pastel skies and soft brushstrokes that evoked a dreamlike serenity. While not part of the runway itself, the artworks set the tone upon entry, creating an ambiance of artistry before the shows began.

The Runway: Four Acts of Elegance

The fashion presentations unfolded throughout the day with pauses between, allowing the chic crowd—celebrities, influencers, industry insiders, and impeccably dressed guests—to mingle, exchange impressions, and anticipate what was next.

Fabio Porloid: Elegance with Purpose

^{Fabio Porloid Milano Fashion Week / Photos by Ph1010}

The shows opened with Fabio Porloid, who presented refined eveningwear ranging from cocktail dresses to sweeping red-carpet gowns. The most moving sequence came when, in collaboration with the association Barbara & Co, Porloid presented a segment featuring nurses, caregivers and cancer survivors as his models. These women, walking proudly and gracefully, embodied strength and dignity, transforming the runway into a statement of resilience and awareness. The association’s mission is to support individuals living through the oncology experience—providing human and practical resources, building supportive networks for patients and caregivers, and working with public health institutions to improve treatment facilities. The impact was unforgettable: fashion elevated into testimony.

Antonella Bravi: A Riviera Dream

^{Antonella Bravi Milano Fashion Week / Photos by Ph1010}

Next was Antonella Bravi, whose collection was inspired by the Mediterranean. Light silks and floral patterns suggested the breezy elegance of the Italian Riviera, drawing influence from Positano’s coastal charm and Sicilian vibrancy. Her color palette was bold yet refined, featuring deep reds, lime greens, crisp black-and-white contrasts, and gold accents that suggested both coastal ease and dramatic flair. It was a collection that radiated joy, elegance, and a sense of wanderlust.

Otto & Mezzo Cashmere: Refined Comfort

^{Otto & Mezzo Cashmere Milano Fashion Week / Photos by Ph1010}

Otto & Mezzo Cashmere introduced a collection rooted in comfort without sacrificing style. Lightweight knitwear and refined loungewear blurred the lines between homewear and casual-smart prêt-à-porter. Designed for both men and women, the collection embraced a subdued yet sophisticated palette of soft ivory, sand, dove grey, sky blue, and anchored navy exuded a timeless versatility: clothing that felt as suitable for a quiet evening at home as for a chic weekend in the Alps.

Jamal Taslaq: Eastern Inspiration

^{Jamal Taslaq Milano Fashion Week / Photos by Catwalk Milano}

Jamal Taslaq, the Palestinian-Italian couturier based in Rome, brought gowns of Oscar-worthy elegance—flowing silhouettes, sumptuous fabrics, and a refined drama that bridged his Eastern heritage with Italian craftsmanship.

ALV by Alviero Martini: Retro Revival

^{ALV by Alviero Martini Milano Fashion Week / Photo by Sergio Sepiello}

^{ALV by Alviero Martini Milano Fashion Week / Photos by Catwalk Milano}

Closing the evening, ALV by Alviero Martini drew on a vintage sensibility, pairing lace, flowing fabrics, and classic silhouettes with the designer’s signature worldly flair. The collection recalled an old-world elegance, reimagined with contemporary touches, offering pieces that felt nostalgic and chic.

BTS: Behind the Scenes

As the presentations concluded, guests were treated to an exclusive cocktail reception featuring Italian wines and delicacies by artisanal producers, underscoring the event’s dedication to celebrating Made in Italy in all its forms.

Gianluigi Resta, GR Events & Communication

The Catwalk Milano event was conceived by Gianluigi Resta, founder of GR Events & Communication, and is the product of his vision to create a platform where established names and emerging designers can share the same stage. Known for his international projects in fashion and luxury, Resta has long championed the idea of transforming runway shows into immersive cultural events—spaces where fashion meets art, design, gastronomy, and philanthropy. With Catwalk Milano, he continues to expand the horizons of Italian creativity, bringing it beyond national borders and into a global dialogue.

Titti Baiocchi, Director of Staging & Choreography

The staging and choreography was entrusted to Titti Baiocchi, a celebrated director with decades of experience in some of fashion’s most prestigious houses, from Cavalli and Krizia to Bottega Veneta, Diesel, and Dsquared2. Her touch was evident in the seamless flow of the day: lighting, music, and timing combined to create an atmosphere that was both polished and intimate, making each presentation feel like its own story while keeping the thread of elegance unbroken. Baiocchi’s reputation lies in her ability to balance theatricality with refinement—a skill that elevated Catwalk Milano into an event that felt grand, yet personal. Hair and makeup were curated by the Milano crew of Cas Arpège Marco Todaro, who created refined beauty looks that echoed the elegance of the collections.

Check out our Instagram page @MilanoStyle_com for more BTS video and images!

Next Steps

After the resounding success of its Shanghai edition earlier this year, Catwalk Milano has proven its strength as an itinerant format with a truly international perspective. In 2026, it is set to travel to Zurich, Dubai, and Monte Carlo, with a planned return to China, further consolidating its mission of presenting Italian excellence in craftsmanship, style, and culture to the world stage.