Milan Fashion Week is almost over, but Black women — as usual — stole the show.
First up was Rihanna, who came to Italy to slay with her beau, A$AP Rocky, and the couple’s baby son. Fans may not receive new music this year after the Super Bowl pregnancy announcement, but they will receive a great look or two from the fashion icon. Donning a black hoodie and ankle-length coat, Rihanna served effortless airport style as she navigated the area with her son and boyfriend. The Daily Mail reported that the self-made billionaire attended several women’s ready-to-wear shows.
Despite the lack of diversity in designers at Milan Fashion Week, other fashion houses have made an effort to be inclusive with their models.
Earlier in the month esteemed fashion designer, Stella Jean, 44, announced that “neither she nor five members and designers of color from the We Are Made in Italy collective would participate in Fashion Week.” Jean was the only Black designer in the show. Jean later told the Associated Press, that the Italian National Fashion Chamber, “had significantly cut back support for the We Are Made in Italy collective of young designers of color working in Italy after she made an impassioned speech about the personal price she had paid for highlighting racial injustice in Italy during a runway show last September.”
Despite the unfortunate news at the beginning of the month. Milan Fashion Week caused quite a stir. Fortunately, Rihanna wasn’t the only Black woman killing the scene!
Alva Claire
British model Alva Claire came in hot at the GCDSWEAR Milan Fashion Week show. Donning a chocolate brown trench coat with a white Oxford shirt and a toffee-colored tie, Claire’s look was accessorized with metallic gold knee-high boots and a gold embellished handbag. The British model has been signed for more than a decade but didn’t receive the recognition of “Britain’s Next Top Model” until 2021 when she walked in the Versace SS221, following in the footsteps of the iconic Naomi Campbell.
Aweng Ade-Chuol
South Sudanese Australian model Aweng Ade-Chuol walked in the Diesel AW23 Milan Fashion Week show against a tower of condoms, an ode to safe sex and the Diesel/Durex collaboration. Ade-Chuol was clad in a muted grey relaxed set with black detailing. She accessorized with a large red choker, but the star of the look was Ade-Chuol’s flawless skin and simple straight-back cornrows.
Adut Akech
The 5’10 South Sudanese Australian model gave “hair-raising” chills as she walked the Moschino runway during Milan Fashion Week. A hairpiece adorned her crown that modeled feathers. Akech was adorned in a white knit skirt and blazer emblazoned with gold trim. Her look was completed with gold buckled pumps and a medium gold adorned bag. The asymmetrical shape of the skirt added depth to the ensemble.
Simz
British artist Simz graced the Prada show at Milan Fashion Week. Clad in a white turtleneck, khaki bottoms, and an oversized coat, Simz is accessorized with chunky platform black loafers, black leather gloves, and a black beret. For a pop of color, Simz wore a yellow Prada handbag.
Halle Bailey
Artist and actress Halle Bailey also attended Milan Fashion Week. “The Little Mermaid” star wore a pink ensemble that graced her silhouette and accessorized with red strappy sandals. Halle kept it very simple and chic.
Jodie Turner-Smith
Finally, Jodie Turner-Smith attended the Gucci show during Milan Fashion Week. She went full Grace Jones and opted for a sleek silhouette with thigh-high black leather boots, black tights, and a gold metallic and black top paired with a large patent leather belt to emphasize her waist and a pair of Gucci shades. A simple black hat finished the look.