Dolce & Gabbana cast real men to walk their Milan Fashion Week runway and Jonathan Saunders partnered with Vogue to create the official Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt.
The fashion house shunned using models on the catwalk, instead sending 73 Sicilian men and boys aged between 12 and 43 – with occupations including student, house painter, barber, and waiter – down the runway accompanied by a live band in traditional costume.
Explaining the unusual showcase of the collection, which was largely monochrome linen, silk, light wool and chiffon, Stefano Gabbana said, “We wanted to put our clothes on real men because fashion should be for real people.”
The show’s finale saw all 73 men don dark suits and white jackets which were each slightly different to one another.
Elsewhere at the Men’s shows, Jil Sander made her return to her eponymous label, with her first collection in eight years showing an update to her signature minimalist style with colour and more modern cuts.
She said afterwards, “It’s good to be at home again.”
Christopher Bailey opted for metallic and florescent fabric in his Burberry Prorsum showcase, including a fuchsia pink trench coat, bright footwear and bags, shiny turquoise lapels on a classic tweed coat and a vivid electric blue bomber jacket.
For the more traditional consumer, there were classic slim-cut suits, raincoats, field jackets and oversized parkas.
The Scottish designer has teamed up with Vogue magazine for the annual fashion event and designed a unique T-shirt in aid of domestic violence charity Refuge.
Jonathan said, “It’s such an honour to collaborate with [editor] Alexandra Shulman and Vogue on this year’s official Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt.
“The design features one of my signature prints which I hope people are excited to take away from the night. I am so happy to be a part of this global initiative raising much-needed funds for charity, and I look forward to a great night out on September 6.”
Fashion’s Night Out will be held on September 6 by all 19 countries that publish Vogue.
This year marks the fourth time the magazine is supporting the fashion and retail sectors by hosting star-studded shopping parties in major cities featuring editors, stars, models, fashionistas, and designers.
Sandra Horley, Refuge chief executive commented, “We are delighted to have been selected as the benefactor for this year’s Fashion’s Night Out.
“Domestic violence is the number one issue for women in this country. This is why we need support more than ever and why it is fantastic that Refuge is receiving such high-profile support from British Vogue, designer Jonathan Saunders – and the Fashion’s Night Out team who are working together to raise funds and awareness of Refuge’s work.”
Jonathan’s £18 design is Gap cotton T-shirts and comes in both blue and pink. Fashionistas can buy the item on the night or in advance from September 3 at the Condé Nast Worldwide News store in London.
