Fashion Industry Insights & Inspirations May 2025
- Britta Cabanos
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Each month at Inside Fashion Design, we round up the stories, shows, and moments that sparked our curiosity and lit us up the most. These are our favorite finds, conscious collections, standout brands, and behind-the-scenes gems that remind us why we love this industry—and where it’s headed. From inspiring design approaches to purpose-driven fashion moves, these are the highlights we’re most excited to share with you.
For May, we reflect on the recent Milan Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2025/26, and are excited to share our perspective on the event, drawing insights from various reports and firsthand observations. This recap embodies our commitment to celebrating mindful, conscious, and creatively aware fashion. Dive into our top picks to highlight steps towards sustainability that emerged from the runway this season.
ifd's Top Picks:
-Milan Fashion Week F/W 2025: A Fusion of Craft, Culture, and Conscious Creativity
Milan Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2025/26 showed a mix of innovation, artistry, and evolving consciousness to the runway. While we are not sure every show focused on sustainability, we do see intentional steps in the right direction. A number of designers called out eco-friendlier practices—from recycled fibers and natural textiles to the rediscovery of handmade techniques that celebrate cultural heritage and individuality. It appears fashion is shifting, slowly and meaningfully.
A Nod to Sustainability—With Room for More Transparency.
Several collections highlighted the use of sustainable materials, such as recycled fabrics, natural fibers, and ecological dyes. While we’re encouraged by the mention of ethical production techniques, we also recognize the need for deeper transparency. What specific certifications are being used? Are fair labor practices documented? These are the next questions the industry must begin to answer more clearly.
That said, the mood in Milan was hopeful. The emphasis on timeless silhouettes, natural palettes, and cultural storytelling felt aligned with a more conscious, human-centered approach to design.
Highlights from the Week
Florania x FOREARTH: Florania, in collaboration with FOREARTH, presented pioneering sustainable fashion ideas, highlighting the use of environmentally conscious materials and production methods. "We are using fashion as a way to express resistance: bring on circular alternatives for a positive change. Clothing are a powerful tool for social and environmental change. Florania is committed to push the boundaries of what's possible in the fashion industry, creating an alternative. We invite our community of innovators to shape the future with us. From https://www.florania.org/blogs/news
Emerging Chinese designer Susan Fang, supported by Dolce & Gabbana, brought an emotionally rich collection to Milan that blended childhood memories, traditional Chinese influences, and abstract artistry. Using innovative materials like tulle and nylon, she crafted ethereal designs that felt like wearable paintings. With exaggerated volumes, fluid forms, and vivid color stories, her work struck a chord—both introspective and visually stunning. The collection included eco-friendly materials and ethical production techniques, with a focus on recycled fibers, natural fabrics, and ecological dyes[1].
Giorgio Armani
Armani’s collection stood out for its refined simplicity and earthy elegance. Eschewing excess, the designer focused on harmony, comfort, and timeless tailoring. Using natural materials such as linen, silk, and cotton, Armani’s garments flowed with soft silhouettes and grounding tones like beige, brown, and forest green—an homage to nature and quiet sophistication. "The roots of Armani style draw from diverse cultural spheres, seamlessly blended from a singular perspective: atmospheres, themes and elements that reappear today in simple forms evocative of both the Orient and the South, part of a light, timeless vision." From Armani.com. Watch the Show here
Dolce & Gabbana's 40th Anniversary
Dolce & Gabbana celebrated four decades with a bold, hybrid collection that merged London streetwear vibes with their signature Italian glamour. Think oversized jackets, punk accents, sneakers with high fashion finishes, and plenty of daring details. Their tribute to urban energy felt youthful and expressive—designed for wearers who embrace individuality. There was a ton of glitter!!! It feels so glamourous but I wonder, is it possible to make all that glitter in a eco-friendly manner? Topic for a future post!! Check out the runway show here
Cultural Dialogue & Handcrafted Expression
Another powerful theme across multiple collections was cultural fusion. Designers explored connections between Eastern and Western styles—blending traditional techniques with modern silhouettes. Handcraftsmanship made a welcome return, with customization, artisanal touches, and storytelling woven into garments that felt personal and expressive. As Milan Fashion Week came to a close, brands like Tokio James, Maison Nencioni, Maxivive, Jacob Coën, Saman Loira, and Via Piave 33 prepared to take the final runway slots—bringing a diverse and global perspective to the last day of shows.
Milan Fashion Week 2025 reminded us of fashion’s dual role: to honor craftsmanship and culture, while moving toward a more sustainable, responsible future. We’re inspired by the creativity we see and the stories being told—but we’re also keeping our eyes on what’s next. Because transformation isn’t just about style—it’s about substance.
Additional Highlights: Beyond the Claim Sustainable Fashion Show:
Have you heard of this show?? I just discovered this!! Held during the same week, this independent event featured several Friend of the Earth certified brands from around the world, each with a unique approach to sustainability[2][3].
Highlights included:
Reve de Rive Couture Swimwear (Switzerland): Durable, timeless swimwear made from Italian recycled materials.
Zoe Klose (Switzerland): Sportswear created from regenerated yarn made from ghost fishing nets.
Perer (Italy): Modal fabric clothing, eco-friendly and ideal for daily wear.
Ciriana (Italy): Organic textiles and biodegradable accessories in coat designs. I am particularily interested in this brands different eco-friendly initiatives. "Drifting continuously towards cleaner and healthier products in 2023 Sofia successfully led her company through a transition into purely organic, utilising exclusively fabrics made of certified biodynamic cotton and biological silk produced outside of industrial processes". From: https://www.ciriana.it/copia-di-contacts
Katharine Story (USA): Upcycled vintage textiles fused with modern design.
Transforming Textile (Sweden): Innovative Sense Tex material for eco-friendly, durable garments. "Transforming Textiles creates smart textiles for the future. Sense-tex is our new yarn-thread technology, that has health enhancing abilities built into it’s fibers. The Fabrics made from Sense-Tex yarn-thread, supports hygiene; are more durable; and requires less washing. When connected to sensors, it provides health metrics like a smartwatch". From https://transformingtextiles.com
Natural Cotton Color (Brazil): Collections using naturally colored, organic cotton, with a focus on water conservation and fair wages for artisans[2].
Event General Trends and Materials:
Many designers used recycled fabrics, organic cotton, plant-based alternatives like Piñatex (pineapple leaf fiber), and materials made from recycled ocean plastic[4].
Transparency in sourcing and production was a major theme, with brands openly disclosing their processes to build consumer trust[4].
The overall aesthetic leaned toward minimalist, timeless designs and earthy color palettes, reflecting a broader movement toward conscious consumption[4].
Notable Sustainable Brands & Initiatives
Brand/Initiative | Sustainable Focus |
Florania x FOREARTH | Pioneering sustainable fashion concepts |
Susan Fang (with Dolce & Gabbana) | Eco-friendly materials, recycled fibers, natural dyes |
Giorgio Armani, Hui, Avavav, J. Salinas | Ethical production, recycled/natural materials |
Beyond the Claim Fashion Show | Friend of the Earth certified global brands |
Reve de Rive Couture Swimwear | Recycled materials, durable swimwear |
Zoe Klose | Regenerated yarn from ghost nets |
Perer | Modal fabric, eco-friendly yoga/daily wear |
Ciriana Haute Coat | Organic textiles, biodegradable accessories |
Katharine Story | Upcycled vintage textiles |
Transforming Textile | Sense Tex eco-material |
Natural Cotton Color | Organic, naturally colored cotton, fair wages |
Sources:
Here's more May 2025 Fashion Highlights: Style, Substance & Global Spotlight Moments
Met Gala 2025: "Superfine Tailoring Black Style", the Met Gala returned on May 5 with a powerful theme that stole the spotlight and enriched our understanding of Black fashion. "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" celebrated the depth, elegance, and craftsmanship of Black fashion, tracing dandyism and tailored expression from the 8th century to modern-day icons.
Rianna wore a regal maternity look, while Demi Moore turned heads in a dramatic necktie-inspired dress. The evening was rich in meaning and full of striking silhouettes, with many attendees donning archival designs from groundbreaking Black designers, putting Black excellence in tailoring on full display.
Explore the Met Gala looks here from The New York Times
Alongside the gala, the Costume Institute launched its spring exhibition of the same name. The exhibit explores" the vibrant legacy of Black dandies and illuminates how Black creatives have shaped—and continue to reshape—style and identity across centuries. It's a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, fashion, and history.
May 10–October 26, 2025 Read more about the theme and exhibition: "Superfine" Exhibition at The Costume Institute
Trends to Watch: Polka Dots & Ballet Sneakers
Spring/Summer 2025 is embracing softness and playfulness with the return of polka dots, spotted on runways and sidewalks alike. Polka dots have been featured prominently in collections by Jacquemus, Acne Studios, Valentino, and Brandon Maxwell, showcasing fresh silhouettes and classic black-and-white combinations that balance fun and elegance[1][2][3][4].
Ballet-inspired sneakers are stepping into the spotlight-especially Puma's Speedcat, which blends sporty flair with a graceful edge. This Y2K-inspired sneaker, praised for combining the comfort of a ballet flat with the structure of a sneaker, has become one of the must-have footwear items of 2025, endorsed by celebrities and fashion insiders alike[5][6][7]. It's a nostalgic, wearable trend revival we love to see.
Citations:
https://buro247.me/fashion/trends/spotted-everywhere-polka-dots-are-taking-over-again/
https://fashionista.com/2025/03/shop-polka-dot-trend-dresses-tops-bottoms-2025
https://www.elle.com/fashion/shopping/a64637165/puma-speedcat-ballet-sneaker-trend-2025/
https://www.gq.com/story/ballet-sneakers-trend-adidas-puma-salomon
Coming Soon: Cannes Red Carpet
Keep your eyes on the Cannes Film Festival from May 13 to 24. We're eagerly anticipating a second wave of show-stopping gowns and forward-thinking fashion statements from global designers. It's one of the few events that still matter. We're old-school glam with progressive style cues. Read what to expect here
Dreaming of attending the festival? Here's what you should pack according to The Hollywood Reporter: From a Loro Piana Bowtie to Bilingual Shades, 15 Cool Carry-Ons to Pack for Cannes
Thanks for following along with our highlights this month. Want more behind-the-scenes insights, trend recaps, and conscious brand stories? Join our IFD Insiders community—we’d love to have you on the journey.
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