Russian-born and Italy based actress/director Elena Lander takes Milan's Porta Romana in vintage mauve pantsuit, Calvin Klein sports bra, and Sydney Duncan square scarves.
Milan, the fashion capital known for its timeless elegance and sophisticated tailoring, is evolving. Though long revered for its classic sensibility, this Italian city has been perceived as lagging behind other trendsetting hubs like Tokyo and New York in terms of innovation. However, a new generation of designers, both Italian-born and international, is challenging that narrative by marrying Milan’s rich fashion heritage with cutting-edge contemporary design. One of the most visible markers of this shift is the resurgence of the square scarf as a staple in modern street style.
Recently, Russian-born, Italy-based actress/director Elena Lander showcased this dynamic blend of tradition and innovation when she graced Milan’s Porta Romana in a vintage mauve pantsuit, paired with a sleek Calvin Klein sports bra and topped off with a bold Sydney Duncan square scarf. This effortlessly chic look encapsulated the energy of Milan street style, which has begun to lean into more daring, versatile accessories.
Milan: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Milan has long been a beacon of classic Italian fashion, favoring well-tailored silhouettes, luxury materials, and an understated sense of refinement. Think of the enduring appeal of Armani's perfectly tailored suits or the sophisticated allure of Prada—Milan’s staples have always been synonymous with timeless elegance. But as other fashion capitalslike Tokyo and New York continue to push the boundaries with bold experiments and streetwear culture, Milan is slowly but surely evolving.
Historically, Milan’s fashion scene has thrived on predictability. Its strength was in its consistency, with an industry deeply rooted in history and craftsmanship. Japanese fashion, for instance, tends to be more experimental, thriving on the avant-garde and breaking the mold of tradition, while New York fashion effortlessly blends practicality with urban chic. But Milan has always had its feet planted firmly in tradition, and that’s what has given it its enduring charm.
However, the next wave of designers in Milan—many of whom are taking cues from other international fashion capitals—is bringing fresh ideas to the city’s fashion scene. This wave of talent is infusing Milanese fashion with contemporary designs, daring aesthetics, and global influences. Elena Lander’s recent street style is a perfect embodiment of this movement: a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern edge, her look proves that square scarves are no longer just the accessory of our grandparents but a trendsetting staple for the modern fashion-forward individual.
The Square Scarf’s New Identity in Milan
Square scarves have been a symbol of vintage sophistication for decades. You can picture it now: your grandmother tying her delicate silk scarf around her neck or her hair, channeling old Hollywood glamour or European elegance. But today's square scarves have taken on a new, exciting identity, marking a revival in contemporary streetwear and high fashion.
In Milan, where tradition has always played a significant role in shaping style, square scarves have evolved. Instead of being draped in the same classic styles our grandmothers once loved, they are now wrapped, twisted, and tied in fresh, unexpected ways. They are worn as head scarves, waist accessories, or even integrated into scarf outfits that push the boundaries of how scarves are traditionally styled.
As seen with Sydney Duncan scarves, this transformation is particularly evident in the ways Milan’s streets have embraced this once-classic accessory. From silk scarves worn as headwraps to tencel scarves styled into chic belts or even reimagined as bandeaus, there’s no limit to the ways this versatile piece can be incorporated into modern Italian fashion.
The Power of the Square Scarf in Milan Street Style
Elena Lander’s daring choice to pair a Sydney Duncan square scarf with a Calvin Klein sports bra and vintage pantsuit is a reflection of Milan’s evolving street style. The look itself perfectly embodies the current trend of mixing high fashion with laid-back, athleisure-inspired elements, while also injecting a dose of nostalgia with her vintage ensemble. Her square scarf, worn loosely around her neck, is far from the tight, prim placements of yesteryears. Instead, it's relaxed, stylishly nonchalant—an approach that speaks to how the modern square scarf trend diverges from the past.
This isn’t to say that Milan is abandoning its classic roots. Instead, contemporary street style merges tradition with innovation. What we’re seeing now in Milan fashion is a trend where accessories, particularly square scarves, take center stage as the statement piece in an outfit. Milan’s streets are brimming with dynamic color combinations and texture experimentation, with scarves adding layers of visual interest to even the most minimalist looks.
Why Square Scarves Are Here to Stay
The resurgence of square scarves in Milan’s fashion scene is more than just a fleeting trend. These scarves embody everything the new Milan stands for: versatility, timelessness, and modern flair. While they still carry the charm of the past, square scarves today are a powerful symbol of the future of Milanese style. They demonstrate that you can pay homage to heritage without being confined by it.
How to Style a Square Scarf Like Milan’s Fashion Elite
For those looking to channel Milan street style, a square scarf is an indispensable accessory. Below are some fresh ways to wear a silk scarf or tencel scarf that can instantly elevate your look:
1. As a Head Scarf
This trend is taking over the streets of Milan. Simply fold your scarf into a triangle and tie it under your chin or around the back of your neck, creating a chic, retro vibe. Perfect for keeping hair in place or adding a splash of color to your outfit. Try pairing this with a turtleneck sweater for an effortlessly cool, autumn-ready look.
2. The Waist Wrap
Instead of a belt, opt for a square scarf to cinch your waist. This adds a playful, bohemian touch to an outfit, whether you're wearing high-waisted jeans or a flowy summer dress. Pair this look with oversized sunglasses for that Milan street style edge.
3. As a Bandeau
Milanese women are daring to go bold by using their scarves as bandeaus during the warmer months. This style is perfect for a day lounging by the pool or paired with a tailored blazer for a high-fashion twist on the trend. This works especially well with silk scarves, offering both sophistication and sexiness.
4. Around the Neck—Milan Style
The traditional necktie placement has evolved. Rather than tight, prim knots, try a loose drape or a low knot, letting the ends flow naturally. This adds movement and a modern touch to any outfit, turning a simple silk scarf into a statement piece.
The Future of Milan Fashion
As Milan’s next generation of designers continues to push the boundaries, we can expect more innovation when it comes to blending heritage with contemporary elements. Accessories like the square scarf are perfect symbols of this balance. And with fashion capitals like Tokyo and New York setting the pace for innovation, Milan is proving that it, too, can adapt and thrive by embracing both the old and the new.
The rise of the square scarf in Milan's fashion scene is only the beginning of a broader shift in how this city sees itself within the global fashion landscape. Milan may have been defined by tradition for decades, but with young designers and international influencers like Elena Lander showing the world how to reimagine classics, the city is poised to retain its title as a fashion capital—while becoming one of the most forward-thinking at the same time.
Photographed by Sydney Duncan
Modeled by Elena Lander
Assisted by Zaynab Balarabe
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