A Look into #MFW as an Outsider.

by: Cheryl Ann O’Connor Lukeala

Milano, ITALY

Originally planned as a 10th Wedding Anniversary trip, the Lukeala’s found themselves wandering the streets of Milano as fashion enthusiasts.

After learning the divine timing on the first day of fashion week (Feb 20th, 2024), we were ironically set to arrive in time to witness the industry’s most iconic Fashion Muses exploring the studious city that holds the title of “1 of the 4 major Fashion Capitols in the world.”

Explore Milano’s rich history through this source.

The Journey…

An 8-hour trek from Weiden, Germany through the snowy Swiss Alps led us to our destination in Italy. Hotel dei Cavalieri Milano Duomo was conveniently located in close proximity to the Fashion action in the city center. Within a short 7–8-minute walk, we stumbled upon the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Duomo Di Milano.

Divine timing aligns again…

My Milan experience has just begun at this point. At approximately 2:11 PM at the Piazza del Duomo, I was starstruck for the very first time in my 29 years of life! I couldn’t believe my eyes. MY MUSE, JESSICA ALBA was nonchalantly walking past me in the Milano streets. I instantly felt inclined to document this unforgettable encounter. A random lady with her son and husband, following her like paparazzi to see where she was off to. I felt like such an OUTSIDER when looking into her level of involvement in her world of fashion. I aimlessly followed her footsteps to see where we’d end up.

JESSICA ALBA led me right outside the doors of a venue for #MFW24!

“Jessica Alba cuts a chic figure in a grey turtleneck jumper and tailored trousers as she visits the Pinacoteca di Brera Museum in Milan | Daily Mail Online” justified my excitement.

My Milano Muse.

In the flesh, she was effortless, and low-key. As a true fashion trailblazer, I appreciate her style and grace in the industry. With her natural impeccable nature, she has always been an icon for me. It was very inspiring to run into her by fate. Although I consider myself an enthusiast, I consider my mode similar to hers.

During the remainder of our holiday, we enjoyed the atmosphere and admired the craze and energy that was flowing through the streets. The lavishness, stylishness, elegance, and sophistication continued to fuel my fire.

As we sat in restaurants and lounges, we were surrounded by many different personnel obviously presently participating in #MFW. During our first breakfast, I overheard a two wo/man team collaborating on their plan of attack for the show rooms and their route they will be commuting. The gentleman’s biggest concern was that “his equipment is quite heavy.” My assumption was that he was probably a photographer. That evening during our anniversary roof top dinner that Anthony planned, we were again surrounded by people of the fashion industry. Two men came in earlier to set up a reserved table with small fresh flower bouquets on the tablescape. It was really giving Emily in Paris! Where Emily, Julien and Luc would always ensure that no personal touch was missed, and everything was spot on to make the best impression. At the end of our dinner, the guest for the reserved table arrived in over-the-top fashion outfits, with assistants documenting the whole arrival, possibly recording content for their social media platforms. They also had a team of two photographers taking photos of their party. Sadly, we did not stay long enough to learn who they were. It was a very interesting opportunity to see the industry as an OUTSIDER hoping to one day become an INSIDER.

Your LOKAL MUSES’ fashion escapades surely did not end there.

The rest is still unwritten.

To stay up to date on the latest adventures, follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lokal.muse/