Milan designers dipped into neutrals and muted tones for next summer — reflecting both a conservative streak in troubled times and a move toward thoughtful production of garments that can anchor any wardrobe.

Boss revamped its trademark suiting with a more relaxed, even deconstructed, vibe that can take men and women from day to after hours. Antonio Marras created joyous silhouettes that hearkened to the 1950s, an era long depicted as fun and carefree. Even Roberto Cavalli opened with white, ivory and ecru cotton dresses before exploding, inevitably, into bright hues.

Here are some highlights from some of the runway preview shows during Milan Fashion Week for Spring-Summer 2025.

Supermodels pay homage

A cadre of 1990s and 2000s supermodels, including Eva Herzigova, Joan Smalls and Alex Wek, ramped up the energy at the Cavalli show wearing vintage gowns in tribute to the late designer.

During the finale, Cavalli designer Fausto Puglisi plucked Cavalli’s widow and longtime collaborator, Eva Cavalli, from the front row, and the supermodels took her in a warm embrace.

“For the first fashion week without Roberto, I wanted to involve Eva to celebrate through what I consider seven iconic pieces from the archives, involving the women who most represented Cavalli’s glorious period,’’ Puglisi said backstage. Cavalli died in April at age 83.

The collection progressed from cotton and linen seaside dresses with cutouts and rope detailing and elaborate macrame weaves to slinky skirts and dresses in fiery sunset and volcano prints, finishing with body-hugging gowns in bright hues or covered in crystals.

Campbell walks in Del Core

German-born Milan-based designer Daniel Del Core launched his first all ready-to-wear collection, but he left room for one couture piece, modeled by Naomi Campbell.

The ready-to-wear collection was inspired by women scientists. Del Core created a translucent lab coat that was reinterpreted throughout the collection, paired with protective shoe coverings, and latex gloves in bubblegum pink or bright blue against otherwise soft palette.

Eveningwear had some couture touches, like pleating that framed the neckline and anchored draping sleeves. Del Core said he will break out couture with a presentation in Paris in January.

Boss out of office

Boss designer Marco Falcioni is sending a message to the fashion world: Get out of the office.

“Being the boss means taking time off to rest. Resting is the ultimate luxury,’’ Falcioni, senior vice president of creative direction at the German brand, said backstage.

To encourage a better work-life balance in a frenetic world, Falcioni has relaxed the business suit, subtracting shoulder pads and jacket linings, and layering generously, for a less button-down vibe.

Drawstring detailing on trousers and blouses gave the garments technical functionality. Women’s jackets wrapped prettily around the middle. Flat or heeled mules finished the looks. A neutral color palette was offset by muted shades of green and blue.

Marras’ tropical fun

Swing dancers and a four-piece saxophone-led band set an upbeat tone at Marras’ runway show, which featured a summery collection celebrating picture postcard destinations. Marras took a cue from the life of Italian actor Anna Maria Pierangeli who left her native Sardinia for Hollywood, where she started a romance with James Dean.

Marras’ collection is a celebration of a night out on the town, with the female silhouette defined by full skirts, tight waistlines and exaggerated shoulders. Fringe tops and skirts swayed, and layered grass skirts rustled.