Yes, it’s possible to head to Milan Fashion Week in style by train.
Once you arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), board the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale station and you’re a quick stroll or cab ride away from the many wonders that Milan has to offer. Ciao!
Image Credit: Getty Images, Mlenny. Image Location: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan
What is Milan Fashion Week?
Milan Fashion Week is a biannual fashion showcase established in 1958 by the National Chamber of Italian Fashion (or Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana). Milan Fashion Week forms part of the “Big Four” fashion weeks, including New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, and Paris Fashion Week.
When is Milan Fashion Week?
Milan Fashion Week is twice a year, in February and September. The 2025 spring and summer collections will be shown from Sept. 17-23, 2024. Next year, brands will show their women’s fall/winter 2026 ready-to-wear collections in February 2025.
How are fashion weeks organized?
Spring/summer collections are shown on the catwalk in September and October for the following summer. Fall/winter collections are then shown on the catwalk in February and March for the next year's winter time.
Each year, the cycle begins with fall/winter collections being shown first in New York in early February, followed by London Fashion Week in mid-February, Milan Fashion Week in late February, and concluding with Paris Fashion Week in early March.
The same pattern repeats again later in the year for the spring/summer collections, starting with New York Fashion Week in early September, followed by London Fashion Week in mid-September, Milan Fashion Week in late September, and concluding with Paris Fashion Week in late September and early October.
Where does Milan Fashion Week take place?
Milan Fashion Week takes place in locations across the city. As one of the global capitals of fashion and design, Milan has hosted the event since its formation, and the tradition continues.
Image Credit: Getty Images, faber1893. Image Location: Parco Sempione, Milan
Places to go during Milan fashion week
While the most coveted fashion shows are invite-only, there are plenty of fabulous places to explore in Milan during fashion week.
Fiera Milano
The Fiera Milano complex is a hub of activity during Milan Fashion Week, with multiple exhibition spaces and event halls. This is where the main fashion week events and runway shows take place. Hang around for a minute or two, and who knows, you might spot a famous face arriving or leaving a show.
Parco Sempione
Located near Fiera Milano, Parco Sempione is a beautiful park where you can relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle. It's also a popular spot for street-style photography, so dress up if you’re feeling your fit!
Via Montenapoleone
Known as the Quadrilatero della moda (literally the ‘fashion square’), this area in the heart of Milan is home to many high-end designer boutiques and fashion houses. It’s a great place to do some quality shopping and to spot fashion influencers and celebrities.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Marco Bottigelli. Image Location: Brera District, Milan
(More) fashion districts
Milan has several fashion districts where you can explore a wide range of fashion boutiques from heritage fashion houses to emerging contemporary designers. In addition to Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Sant'Andrea, and Corso Como are also worth exploring.
Brera District
This trendy neighborhood is known for its artistic and cultural scene. During Milan Fashion Week, it often hosts pop-up experiences, exhibitions, and parties. It’s also a great place to explore charming streets and cafés.
Navigli District
Navigli is known for its picturesque canals and vibrant nightlife. Many Milan Fashion Week afterparties also take place in this area so put on your dancing shoes!
Image Credit: Getty Images. Image Location: Navigli District, Milan
Duomo di Milano
Milan’s most iconic cathedral, the Duomo, is a stunning architectural masterpiece. It’s also a great place to soak in the Milanese atmosphere.
Museums and galleries
Milan has several museums and galleries that often have fashion-forward exhibitions during fashion week. Notably, the Triennale di Milano and Palazzo Morando/Costume Moda Immagine.
Don’t miss: i need to live, an exhibition by German fashion and fine art photographer Juergen Teller at the Triennale di Milano, running through Apr. 1, 2024. Throughout his illustrious career, Teller’s work has appeared in renowned fashion publications, including W, i-D, The Face, 032, and numerous global editions of Vogue. Booking tickets in advance is recommended.
Restaurants and cafés
Milan’s culinary scene has plenty to offer.
For the adventurous foodie in you, we’d recommend a night at the newly opened Autem Milano by chef Luca Natalini located in Porta Romana. Menu highlights include horse meat, smoked eel, and more. Bookings are done exclusively online.
Milan Fashion Week can be quite hectic, so download the Trainline App and use Trainline’s Journey Planner to plan your schedule accordingly and get ready to take the exciting world of fashion by storm—one train ride at a time, of course! Need to get to Paris Fashion Week directly afterwards? Let us sort your train tickets from Milan to Paris.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Thomas Barwick