Fashion has forever been a melting pot of music, entertainment, culture and craftsmanship. Big runway events often become more than just a showcase for new collections as designers and celebrities take the stage to flaunt different forms of creativity and personal expression. Milano has continued this tradition in Vogue World 2026, bringing together fashion personalities, performers, models and popular celebrities in one of Italy’s most iconic settings.
The occasion held at the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II presented Italian fashion and craftsmanship. It was a show of luxurious materials and traditional techniques but also brought modern personalities to the runway. As a fashion content writer, I find these moments super interesting because they show how classic fashion can be shown in unexpected and new ways.
Arguably one of the most talked about appearances, Colombian singer J Balvin made an unannounced runway appearance during the opening act. Balvin lent the presentation a different energy, given his influence in music and his own take on style. His look also showed how the link between music and fashion is growing stronger, with artists playing an increasingly significant role at big fashion shows.
Statement Look J Balvin’s
J Balvin hit the runway in a pink and black brocade three-piece suit by Dolce & Gabbana. The rich fabric gave the look a touch of sophistication, typical of the traditional craftsmanship of Italian fashion.
And to complete the look, he added an ornate gold Dolce & Gabbana necklace, adding a regal touch to the overall look. The statement jewelry and richly textured suit were a memorable runway appearance but did not distract from the craftsmanship of the clothing.
Celebrating Italian Craftsmanship
The opening act was dedicated to Italian craftmanship and was called The Artisanal Revolution, and featured guest star J Balvin. On display were materials and techniques such as velvet, lace, embroidery and brocade, showing the painstaking work that goes into traditional Italian fashion.
Other notables from the first scene include Gigi Hadid, Jeremy Pope and singer Ejae. They brought a little diversity to the runway and showed that modern fashion shows can bring together people from the worlds of entertainment and creativity.
Fashion & Representation
Vogue World 2026: Milano was also part of a wider conversation about the changing fashion landscape. I’m a fashion content writer and I’ve gotten more and more interested in the modern runway shows. They’re not just about clothing, but also about representation, individuality, culture and creative expression.
You can see this evolution in the conversation around age diversity on the runway, too. ELLE’s Fall 2026 fashion coverage takes a look at the presence of multiple generations in runway shows, adding to the wider conversation about representation in the fashion industry. ELLE – runway age diversity: Fall 2026
One of the highlights of the Milano show was the appearance of J Balvin. His Dolce & Gabbana outfit was a mix of classic Italian textile artistry and his own celebrity flair, a look that was both heritage and modern fashion.