For its fifth ambitious installment, Vogue World has officially made its historic international voyage to Italy, touching down in Milan on Tuesday, September 22, to coincide with the very first day of Milan Fashion Week. Set against the magnificent architectural backdrop of the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the high-profile extravaganza is delighting both the local Italian metropolis and a massive global audience through a meticulously curated series of thematic acts. These performances are deeply focused on celebrating the timeless heritage of Italian handcrafts, artisanal excellence, and modern innovation, while featuring a series of exciting surprise guests and supporting a charitable cause by raising vital funds for the Quarto Oggiaro Library located in northwestern Milan.
The grand spectacle represents a major milestone for the globally renowned franchise, bringing its unique blend of fashion, performance art, and cultural commentary to the heart of Italy’s fashion capital. Francesca Ragazzi, the head of editorial content for Vogue Italia, emphasized the profound significance of bringing the production to Milan during such a pivotal cultural era. In an official statement regarding the event, Ragazzi noted that this extraordinary gathering offers a truly unique opportunity to celebrate the timeless story of "Made in Italy" with a worldwide audience, highlighting it as a narrative deeply rooted in human genius, uncompromising craftsmanship, and artistic heritage. She further remarked that it feels particularly meaningful to honor these enduring traditions at this exact moment in time, set against the backdrop of the modern era of artificial intelligence.
Bringing an event of this magnitude to life requires the coordination of some of the most celebrated creative minds in the global fashion, entertainment, and production industries. The visionary team behind Vogue World: Milano is spearheaded by global editorial director Anna Wintour and Francesca Ragazzi, working in close collaboration with an elite roster of creative talent. Juan Costa Paz, representing the Paris-based creative studio Convoy, serves as the production’s creative director, while the overarching fashion vision is championed by Lady Amanda Harlech. They are joined by Peter Aluuan as styling director, and Luca Galasso, who takes on the crucial role of Special Performers and Extended Cast Fashion Director.
The intricate movement and pacing of the massive cast are brought to life through the choreography of Charm La’Donna, alongside Jen Green from Genevieve Productions, who acts as the run-of-show producer, and Stephen Galloway, who serves as the show’s movement director. To ensure the historical and aesthetic integrity of the presentation meets the highest standards, Judith Clark, Professor of Fashion and Museology at the University of the Arts London, has joined the team as the official Show Curator. Executive production responsibilities are shared by Marie Julie Craeymeersch of Mode and the Moon, alongside Marco Balich and Balich Wonder Studios, while Without Production oversees the complex logistical demands of backstage operations.
The beauty and aesthetic details of the production are equally stellar, featuring top-tier industry leaders. Pat McGrath Labs returns as the Official Backstage Makeup Brand of Vogue World, with the legendary Dame Pat McGrath personally leading the conceptual design and physical execution of the makeup looks. The sophisticated hair styling for the diverse cast of models and performers is directed by Cyndia Harvey, while Eri Narita leads the meticulous nail styling teams. In alignment with modern sustainability and circular fashion initiatives, select fashion pieces and accessories utilized in the production have been sourced directly from eBay, serving as Vogue’s official vintage and pre-loved partner.
The auditory and visual atmosphere of the event is carefully engineered to enhance every thematic act. Executive music production is expertly handled by Ivan Striga, with music direction driven by Gaspard Murphy and Thomas Roussel. To ensure that the historic architecture of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is transformed into a breathtaking visual canvas, Ignace D’Haese of ARF&YES is leading the sophisticated lighting design.
Recognizing the immense global appetite for the franchise, the entire event is being livestreamed to viewers around the world. The live broadcast is being directed by Becky Garner, whose impressive recent credits include directing Bieberchella, Justin Bieber’s viral and critically acclaimed Coachella headline performance, and produced by Si Fi Productions. Fashion enthusiasts and cultural observers alike tuned in on Tuesday, September 22, at 2 p.m. EDT or 11 a.m. PDT—corresponding to 8 p.m. local Milan time—to experience Vogue World: Milano live as it unfolded.
The realization of such an ambitious global undertaking is made possible through the generous backing of its corporate partners. Vogue World: Milano is made possible by presenting sponsors ALO, eBay, Eli Lilly and Company, and Meta Glasses, with additional foundational support provided by FedEx and OpenAI.
