Milan Fashion Week: J. Lo, Pamela Anderson Define Modern Glamour

Milan Fashion Week's allure is magnified by the presence of true style icons.

September 23, 20268 min read Latest from Marie Claire

Milan Fashion Week: J. Lo, Pamela Anderson Define Modern Glamour

Our take

## Our Take: The Return of Iconography – J.Lo and Pamela Anderson Redefining Modern Glamour at Milan Fashion Week

Milan Fashion Week has always been a crucible of contemporary style, a place where emerging trends are forged and established houses reaffirm their legacies. This season, however, felt distinctly different, marked by the powerful presence of established icons: Jennifer Lopez and Pamela Anderson. Their appearances weren’t mere cameos; they represented a conscious shift in the prevailing aesthetic, a move away from the aggressively youthful and digitally-constructed glamour that has dominated recent runways. Seeing Lopez front and center at Bottega Veneta and Anderson captivating the crowd at Versace felt less like celebrity endorsement and more like a reclaiming of a certain kind of timeless allure. It’s a fascinating counterpoint to the ongoing exploration of Gen Z aesthetics seen elsewhere, and a welcome return to a more considered, sensual, and undeniably powerful form of femininity. The echoes of this moment resonate beyond the immediate spectacle, prompting a re-evaluation of what constitutes modern glamour and whose voices shape its definition. Consider the recent discourse surrounding Burberry's anniversary collection Burberry's, a testament to heritage and enduring style—Lopez and Anderson are offering a parallel narrative, one rooted in personal evolution and continued relevance.

The significance of Lopez and Anderson's presence isn't solely about individual star power; it's about the cultural narrative they embody. Lopez, a consistent innovator in blending pop culture with high fashion, represents a generation that redefined beauty standards and entrepreneurial success. Anderson, a figure synonymous with unapologetic sensuality and a champion of animal rights, represents a different kind of power—one rooted in authenticity and defying conventional expectations. Their appearances at Milan Fashion Week, particularly Anderson’s return to Versace after decades, signal a desire within the industry to embrace a broader definition of beauty and celebrate women at every stage of life. It’s a direct challenge to the industry’s historical focus on youth and a tacit acknowledgement that true glamour transcends fleeting trends. The ongoing exploration of Fendi's new direction under Maria Grazia Chiuri Fendi demonstrates a similar inclination towards celebrating feminine narratives, albeit through a different lens. The common thread is a move away from purely aesthetic considerations towards a more holistic understanding of female identity and its expression through fashion.

This resurgence of iconography is more than just a cyclical trend; it’s a reaction to the increasingly homogenous and often digitally-altered images that saturate our feeds. Consumers are craving authenticity, substance, and a connection to real women with real stories. Lopez and Anderson, with their decades of experience and unwavering individuality, offer precisely that. Their presence at Milan Fashion Week felt less about promoting a specific brand and more about promoting a feeling—a sense of confidence, self-assuredness, and enduring style. This shift also speaks to a broader cultural moment where celebrating lived experiences and embracing imperfections are increasingly valued. The very nature of "glamour" is being redefined; it's no longer solely about flawless skin and designer labels, but about owning your narrative and expressing yourself authentically. This resonates deeply with a generation seeking role models who are relatable, inspiring, and unapologetically themselves.

Ultimately, the impact of Lopez and Anderson’s appearances at Milan Fashion Week extends far beyond the runway. It’s a signal that the fashion industry is slowly but surely recognizing the power of lived experience, authenticity, and the enduring appeal of true icons. It begs the question: will this represent a lasting shift towards celebrating a more diverse and inclusive definition of glamour, one that values confidence and self-expression above fleeting trends, or will it fade as quickly as the ephemeral nature of fashion itself? The coming seasons will undoubtedly reveal more about the long-term implications of this intriguing development, but for now, it’s clear that the return of iconography has injected a vital dose of maturity and substance into the world of high fashion.

After the creative director Daniel Lee celebrated Burberry's 170th birthday in London, the Spring/Summer 2027 spotlight shifted to Milan Fashion Week. Before Marie Claire editors could process the celebrity looks at McQueen, Simone Rocha, and Burberry, celebrities dashed to Italy for the third installment of Fashion Month, which runs from September 22 to the 28.

On Day 1, Prada set high style standards for fellow luxury fashion houses like Fendi, Roberto Cavalli, and Emporio Armani—and we're not just talking about the runway show. While statement skirts fluttered down the catwalk, everyone from Alexa Chung to Uma Thurman followed Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons's lead by modeling standout midis in the front row.

Once the sun started to set over the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an entirely new guest list of VIPs attended Vogue World. Jennifer Lopez—whose peekaboo bra announced her arrival the night before—turned heads in a tea-length little black dress from Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda show. Vogue's fifth annual fashion show also welcomed Ciara, Pamela Anderson, and Jordyn Woods. The A-listers honored the black-tie dress code in different ways: While Anderson opted for a metallic gold Ferragamo gown, Woods protested the "no white after Labor Day" rule in a creamy Stéphane Rolland number.

Milan Fashion Week is just getting started: Gucci, Alberta Ferretti, and Marni have yet to take center stage, meaning some of the best celebrity looks remain in the queue. Before applauding Marie Claire's favorites below, bookmark this page to stay up to date on all the street style updates.

Jennifer Lopez at 'Vogue' World 2026: Milano

Jennifer Lopez's celebrity look at Milan Fashion Week 2026 — Jennifer Lopez at Milan Fashion Week. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Before Jennifer Lopez delivered a surprise dance performance at Vogue World, she posed for the paparazzi in a strapless Dolce & Gabbana dress. Glossy embroidery made the tea-length dress shine, but all eyes went to the aquamarine-looking pendant on her Dolce & Gabbana necklace.

Ciara at 'Vogue' World 2026: Milano

Ciara's celebrity look at Milan Fashion Week 2026 — Ciara at Milan Fashion Week. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Being pregnant with her fifth child didn't stop Ciara from returning to Vogue World. (The pop star RSVP'd "yes" in 2024, too.) This time, she kept it classic in a little black dress, platform stilettos, and a gold necklace stack.

Pamela Anderson at 'Vogue' World 2026: Milano

Pamela Anderson's celebrity look at Milan Fashion Week 2026 — Pamela Anderson at Milan Fashion Week. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Pamela Anderson stepped outside of her less-is-more comfort zone for Vogue World, arriving in a bubble-hem, metallic gold gown from Ferragamo's Fall 2026 show.

Jordyn Woods at 'Vogue' World 2026: Milano

Jordyn Woods's celebrity look at Milan Fashion Week 2026 — Jordyn Woods at Milan Fashion Week. (Image credit: Getty Images)

For her first Milan Fashion Week sighting since 2023, Jordyn Woods sourced Stéphane Rolland for a structural, shoulder-padded turtleneck and a skintight, ankle-sweeping skirt. The Woods by Jordyn founder earned extra style points for shade-matching her pointy pumps to her waistband's gold-dyed strands.

Heidi Klum at 'Vogue' World 2026: Milano

Heidi Klum's celebrity look at Milan Fashion Week 2026 — Heidi Klum at Milan Fashion Week. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Lopez limited her look's sheerness to mesh opera gloves, but Heidi Klum held down the naked fashion fort in a lacy, thong-revealing dress by Celia Kritharioti. If the Greek designer's name sounds familiar, that's because, last July, Lopez watched the designer's Paris Couture Week show in (what else?) a semi-sheer slip dress.

Maya Hawke at Prada

Maya Hawke's celebrity look at Milan Fashion Week 2026 — Maya Hawke at Milan Fashion Week. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Meanwhile, at Prada, Maya Hawke proved summer's Bermuda shorts trend has major fall potential in a cool-blue pair, a navy V-neck sweater, and razor-sharp slingback pumps, which brought NYFW's purple color trend to Milan.

Naomi Watts at Prada

Naomi Watts's celebrity look at Milan Fashion Week 2026 — Naomi Watts at Milan Fashion Week. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Perhaps anticipating the statement skirt takeover on Prada's runway, Naomi Watts paired a silky black blouse with a pleated aqua midi. Zoom in to appreciate the skirt's bridge illustration, which added even more dimension to the already bold design.

Nara Smith at Prada

Nara Smith's celebrity look at Milan Fashion Week 2026 — Nara Smith at Milan Fashion Week. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Among Prada's sea of unconventional skirts, bralettes and peekaboo lingerie played a part in the Spring 2027 show. Nara Smith brought the trend onto the street style scene, wearing a white bra top with a black pencil skirt and a matching east-west bag.

Uma Thurman at Prada

Uma Thurman's celebrity look at Milan Fashion Week 2026 — Uma Thurman at Milan Fashion Week. (Image credit: Getty Images)

NYFW's red color trend resurfaced in Milan, thanks to Uma Thurman. The actor's short-sleeve sweater featured the same crimson shade seen at Michael Kors and Carolina Herrera. She tucked the top into a pleated camel-colored skirt.

Emilia Clarke at Prada

Emilia Clarke's celebrity look at Milan Fashion Week 2026 — Emilia Clarke at Milan Fashion Week. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Leave it to Emilia Clarke to elevate a zip-up sweatshirt at Prada's spring show. The Game of Thrones star's loungewear looked surprisingly luxe with an office-friendly pencil skirt and day-to-night pumps.

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade at Prada

Gabrielle Union's celebrity look at Milan Fashion Week 2026 — Gabrielle Union at Milan Fashion Week. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Just by wrapping a thick headband around her hair, Gabrielle Union gave her all-black look—complete with a belted pea coat and peekaboo LBD—a Fashion Week-worthy twist.

Alexa Chung at Prada

Alexa Chung's celebrity look at Milan Fashion Week 2026 — Alexa Chung at Milan Fashion Week. (Image credit: Getty Images)

This Fashion Month alone, Alexa Chung has been to NYC, London, and now Milan. Following an appearance at Burberry, the model's style series continued at Prada, where she buttoned a tomato-red cardigan over a sequin midi skirt. She even revived spring's little pouch trend, which Prada endorsed early in the year.

Read the original at Latest from Marie Claire