MFW SS26: Star power from Prada and Fendi, but where’s the frenzy?

After some much-needed time off, I’m back trying to understand the appetite for high fashion in today’s political climate. Of course, those among us who don’t care for education believe that fashion and politics don’t mix, but I differ. Politics is in everything. While I won’t elaborate on that point, I want to discuss the attitude toward Milan Fashion Week. MFW SS26 to be specific.

Milan Fashion Week Spring 2026 commenced on the 23rd of September and concluded on the 29th. While Fashion Week was underway, it almost seemed as if many brands were in a period of stagnation. Prada, Fendi and Dolce & Gabbana are the biggest names from the season that failed to push the fashion culture forward. Four months later, no one is discussing the collection out of pure fascination or genuine wardrobe incorporation.

I notice that Versace, whom I am very fond of, was absent during the Milanese festivities. Additionally, there is a shift in consumer behaviour in relation to spending that the government refuses to recognise. People pay more attention when they’re in the market for a product or service. Could this be the underlying factor as to why people don’t care about fashion week anymore?

To understand why consumer attitudes and attention spans are shifting, I polled an audience on social media. Of the seven respondents to the poll, 42.9% said runway collections interest them most during Milan Fashion Week. When respondents aren’t interested in the runway collection, they either focus on street style and events or don’t follow it at all.

To assess this question, I first need to understand which brands participated in MFW SS26. Here are the MFW SS26 fashion shows for you to watch in retrospect. To see the presentations, click here.