Milan, synonymous with high fashion and impeccable style, continues to showcase its signature flair with the emergence of three exciting brands – Corneliani, Brett Johnson, and Maccapani. We had the pleasure of catching up with these brands to learn more about their journeys and the innovative designs they are bringing to the table.
Corneliani, known for its timeless and refined tailoring, has undergone a stunning revival. The brand has taken the opportunity to refresh its silhouettes, update its fabric choices, and embrace a more relaxed cut. With the recent opening of a flagship store in Selfridges, the iconic European department store, Corneliani is making its mark on the fashion scene. At its captivating presentation held at Palazzo Durini, the brand unveiled its spring/summer 2024 collection, accompanied by an impressive installation and the mesmerizing beats of guest DJ Gilles Peterson.
One of the standout features of Corneliani’s latest collection is its collaboration with acclaimed Parisian architects Gaëlle Gabillet and Stéphane Villard. Together, they created a striking circular wall made of marbleized paper, aptly named ‘Circle.’ This collaboration has resulted in a fresh and modern take on tailored pieces. The collection boasts double-breasted linen and Prince of Wales jackets, showcasing sustainable designs made from organic wool.
Though Corneliani faced its fair share of challenges in recent years, the brand is now poised for rapid growth. After experiencing a dip in annual sales to €36 million during the pandemic, the brand successfully rebounded, reaching €62 million last year. Looking forward, Corneliani has set its sights on achieving €80 million in sales this year, aiming to ultimately return to its previous peak of €120 million.
Another brand that has caught our attention is the Washingtonian designer Brett Johnson, whose creations exude the polish and elegance typically associated with Italian fashion. Although Johnson resides outside of Washington DC, his clothes are proudly made in Italy, staying true to his Italian-inspired aesthetic. His collection features a range of chic linen and silk suits, blazers, drawstring pants, baby cashmere knits, and contemporary fabrics and styles. Inspired by the natural beauty he discovered during a family vacation in La Ramatuelle, Johnson incorporated serene sea blues, whites, yellows, violets, and greens into his designs. By striking the perfect balance between classic and contemporary, Johnson aims to bring a youthful touch to older men’s style and infuse a polished sophistication into the wardrobes of younger men. With plans to open a store in London next year and potentially a second store in either Milan or Dubai, Brett Johnson is poised for international success.
Lastly, Margherita Maccapani, hailing from the famed Missoni family, has made a strong debut with her eponymous brand, Maccapani. Launched in Milan’s trendy Navigli neighborhood, Maccapani’s collection mirrors Margherita’s personal aesthetic, combining body-con cocktails dresses, halter neck tops, and sultry dressing gown-inspired pieces. The collection showcases stunning orchid prints, cozy knitwear, and a show-stopping fiery paisley off-the-shoulder dress trimmed in upcycled floral chiffon. With the goal of creating a wardrobe that seamlessly transitions from day to evening, Margherita focused on using jersey fabrics that exude a sensual, comfortable, and feminine appeal. Produced primarily by Gilmar, the collection encompasses 40 unique items with prices ranging from €110 for T-shirts to €750 for dresses.
Maccapani’s launch event was a true reflection of the brand’s essence. Curated by Margherita’s father, Marco, the event featured retro computers, bronze modernist statues, the sounds of DJ Iokoi, and exquisite non-alcoholic gin cocktails. The event embodied the spirit of Maccapani as a brand that bubbles with innovation and progress.
Corneliani, Brett Johnson, and Maccapani are unquestionably leaving a lasting impression on the Milan fashion scene. These brands epitomize the city’s diverse and forward-thinking fashion landscape, and it is clear that they have more extraordinary endeavors in store for fashion enthusiasts around the world.
To learn more about Corneliani, visit their website here.
To explore Brett Johnson’s collections, click here.
For more information about Maccapani and their latest designs, visit their website here.
