Vogue World, the highly anticipated global fashion event, is set to host its fifth edition in the heart of Milan's iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This grand spectacle, dubbed the "Olympics of fashion" by Anna Wintour, will unfold on September 22, coinciding with the opening day of Milan Fashion Week. The event aims to celebrate the pinnacle of international craftsmanship while championing local charitable causes, reinforcing Milan's position as a global fashion capital.
Anna Wintour, the chief content officer of Condé Nast and global editorial director for Vogue, officially revealed the location and further details at a launch event hosted by Milanese mayor Giuseppe Sala. Wintour expressed her profound admiration for Milan, highlighting its rich history, refined elegance, and vibrant creativity that perfectly encapsulate the essence of fashion. She emphasized the significance of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a stunning 50-meter-high arcade completed in 1877, as the ideal venue to honor Milan's extraordinary contributions to the fashion world, situated majestically between La Scala and the Duomo.
Beyond its dazzling display of fashion, Vogue World is deeply committed to philanthropy. Previous editions held in New York, London, Paris, and Los Angeles have collectively raised over $7 million for charities dedicated to creative education and community support. The Milan event will continue this tradition, generating funds to benefit a range of local initiatives focused on preserving Milanese craft, fostering design capabilities, and supporting cultural heritage. Wintour affirmed Vogue's dedication to assisting the Municipality of Milan through a substantial contribution towards cultural endeavors that serve the greater public good, with a committee of local institutions advising on beneficiary selection.
The announcement gathered an impressive array of Italian fashion luminaries. Francesca Ragazzi, head of editorial content at Vogue Italia, joined Wintour at the Palazzo Marino, along with prominent figures such as Lorenzo Bertelli of Prada, Alessandro Michele of Valentino, and the celebrated principal dancer of La Scala, Roberto Bolle. The audience also included influential business leaders like Diego Della Valle and Renzo Rosso, as well as renowned designers such as Marco de Vincenzo and Sabato De Sarno, all underscoring the event's significant impact on the industry.
Mayor Sala expressed immense pride, labeling Vogue World a "double honor" for the city. He acknowledged the substantial economic investment fashion companies bring to Milan and underscored the invaluable opportunity the event provides to support worthy local causes. Alessandro Michele elaborated on fashion's profound emotional connection to Milan's sociocultural landscape. He introduced this year's theme, "Where The Future Is Made By The Hand," which explores the intricate relationship between Italy's ancient tradition of 'fatto a mano' (handmade craft) and the burgeoning potential of artificial intelligence, drawing a parallel to the transformative impact of the Gutenberg Press.
Lorenzo Bertelli of Prada also addressed the topic of AI, clarifying that technological advancements are intended to enhance human expertise rather than replace it. He asserted that artisans retain their central role, as their unique skills remain irreplaceable. Bertelli further highlighted sustainability as a crucial driving force for innovation within the Italian fashion industry and at the Prada Group. The creative team behind Vogue World includes director Juan Costa Paz, producer Marco Balich, fashion historian Judith Clark, and fashion director Amanda Harlech, with Francesca Ragazzi playing a pivotal role in bringing the event to Milan.
Ragazzi concluded the day's proceedings by emphasizing the global reach of Vogue World. She announced that the September 22 event would not only be a physical gathering but also a worldwide moment, live-streamed across all international editions of Vogue, ensuring that Milan's energy and Italy's cultural richness resonate far beyond its borders. This grand convergence of fashion, culture, and philanthropy promises to be a memorable celebration of Italian heritage and future innovation.