Jessica Biel gets the 20-20 Experience as Justin Timberlake's wife leads the front row glamor at Fendi presentation at Milan Fashion Week

Justin Timberlake was nowhere to be seen, but his actress wife was still presented with the 20-20 Experience when she attended Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday.

Jessica Biel attended an Italian fashion house Fendi that unveiled their latest fall-winter womenswear collection during the biennial show.

The American star, 41, looked typically stylish in an oversized blouse and matching black leather trousers from the designer as she sat in her front row ahead of the presentation.

However, the show was interrupted, albeit temporarily, after a partially dressed, banner-waving animal rights activist made her way to the catwalk.

She was promptly escorted away from the stunned looks of Biel and her fellow audience members in the front row before the midweek show began.

Milan Fashion Week kicked off on Wednesday with presentations from Iceberg and Antonio Marras, Diesel, Del Core, Roberto Cavalli, Etro and a debut from Marco De Vincenzo scheduled throughout the day.

On Thursday, Max Mara, Prada, Emporio Armani and Moschino will dominate the events at the Museo della Permanente in Milan.

Tod's, Blumarine, Sportmax, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Gucci, Marni, Sunnei, MSGM, Versace, Philipp Plein, Ferrari, Ferragamo, Jil Sander, Missoni, Bally and Bottega Veneta are also expected to present new collections over the coming years. week.

Global retailers said they hoped to place orders for bold, statement styles during Milan Fashion Week for fall 2024, despite a recent trend for so-called “quiet luxury” designs characterized by understated elegance.

The clothing fair, which starts on Tuesday, following New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week this month, will feature big names such as Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace.

Global luxury demand has calmed after a strong post-pandemic recovery, with consultancy Bain forecasting a “likely scenario” of 1% to 4% sales growth this year.

“After a period in which brands focused on classicism and simplicity, on 'quiet luxury' and timeless products, I expect a move towards more outspoken creativity,” says Federica Montelli, fashion consultant and former head of fashion at an Italian high-end department store. necklace Rinascente.

“Given the budgets of smaller retailers, I hope they can find a push to go further (above that budget),” she added.

The National Chamber of Italian Fashion said this year's event is expected to attract more international buyers than before the pandemic, but did not provide figures.

Among those buyers is Bosse Myhr, director of women's clothing at British luxury department store chain Selfridges.

Myhr said he hopes for a “fashion moment” for Belgian designer Glenn Martens of Diesel. The Italian streetwear brand is selling shiny denim jackets for $995 and stretch leather bootcut pants for $950.

Some shoppers are tightening their spending on luxury goods due to an economic slowdown and rising prices, said Federico Giglio, CEO of Giglio.com, an Italy-based retailer of luxury looks from the likes of Versace and Valentino.

Considering that “what we expect from the collections is that designers come up with something new, which can motivate people to spend money,” he added.

Retailers can focus their spending on major labels that make the biggest impact on the runway.

“This is a difficult time for emerging brands… because they need strong investment and it requires a risk appetite on the part of buyers that is not there at the moment,” Giglio said.

According to a Bank of America research report published in January, “quiet luxury” remains the dominant fashion trend, bringing with it more expensive products and a more affluent customer base.

“We believe brands need to refocus on fashion content and novelty throughout the year to re-engage customers and drive footfall,” the report said.