Milan Fashion Week Spotlight- Francesca Liberatore
By Eloryn Fall
It’s that time of year again. The runways are full, and the fashion capitals of the world are buzzing with excitement. Each week, a new city takes the spotlight, and we get a look into the trends that will be shaping the second half of 2026. This is an especially exciting time for Marist students as opportunities pour in for hands-on experience for working on real fashion shows. Those abroad in Italy are presented with an extra special offer — to work with designer Francesca Liberatore at Milan Fashion Week.
Liberatore is a 42-year-old Italian designer with a history of offering students opportunities to both work and attend her shows. Every season as she sends her designs down the runway, you can bet that she’s sharing her passion for fashion in more ways than one. This year student Kaylynn Sahmel was one of the lucky Red Foxes chosen to experience the world behind the scenes with Liberatore. “It was amazing to be able to be a part of all the prep and execution of a Milan Fashion Week show,” Sahmel recounted.
Photographer | Kaylynn Sahmel
Sahmel spent the week before Liberatore’s show helping with prep. Among her responsibilities included fitting models and taking notes as Liberatore finalized her looks. Day of the show, Sahmel helped dress the models one last time and joined the PR team in managing the international press. “It was so cool to see everything come together finally,” she mused when explaining what watching the final show was like.
Liberatore’s designs this season were especially unique, and the garments were delicate. There was a consistent theme of vibrant fashion colors and geometric patterns. One such ensemble featured a color palette reminiscent of the 80s. The matching hot pink dress and jacket featured vibrant purple buttons and gold geometric patterns on the back. Accessorized with a large round belt in matching gold, aqua tights and vibrant orange heels, the look stood out against the rest.
Models lined up a staircase of a high school where Liberatore chose to showcase her designs; the full image of creativity and individuality came together. It is no coincidence Liberatore chose the halls of a high school to act as her runway — her choices are intentional.
Her experiences both as a student and a mentor have clearly shaped who she is and the designs she creates. This show served as a beautiful ode to her development as a person who now helps to shape the next generation of fashion professionals.
Marist students are incredibly lucky to be offered excellent opportunities working alongside designers during fashion week. The ability to participate in these world-renowned events creates experiences that will help lead the way as students enter the world after graduation. “I had never worked on a runway show before and was very nervous going into it, but everyone was so understanding and helpful,” said Sahmel. “I realized that there is so much you can learn simply by starting a conversation with a stranger,” she continued. Taking her studies outside the classroom gave Sahmel a totally different perspective on how the industry functions.
What makes this experience even more special is the opportunity to work alongside such a creative and talented individual such as Liberatore. Her stunning designs and willingness to take students under her wing is truly admirable. The fashion industry couldn’t be what it is without their prized mentors.
