MOISE KEAN AND DOMENICO FORMICHETTI: BLENDING HIP-HOP CULTURE AND HIGH FASHION ON THE MILAN RUNWAY

Milan Fashion Week has long been a stage for innovation, artistry, and cultural expression. The event which takes place twice every year, showcases the latest collections from renowned Italian and international fashion designers.

This season, the spotlight was cast on Moise Kean, the football star making waves in a different arena. Walking the runway for Domenico Formichetti’s PDF (Post Design Future) collection, Kean delivered more than just a fashion moment–he symbolized the intersection of sports, music, and high fashion, underscoring a growing cultural shift.  

Kean, better known for his exploits on the football field for Serie A club Fiorentina, has embraced a new role: a fashion trailblazer. Sporting a striking ensemble that channels the bold energy of ‘90s hip-hop culture, the footballer walked confidently in a light gray coordinated outfit accentuated with hot pink details. The magenta accessory slung over his shoulder added a pop of vibrancy, while his bandana, layered chains, and gem-encrusted cross necklace evoked a streetwear aesthetic rooted in urban culture. Paired with Timberland-inspired boots, his look was a nostalgic nod to hip-hop’s golden age while firmly grounded in Milan’s signature tailoring.

Domenico Formichetti, the visionary behind PDF, is no stranger to pushing boundaries. Since founding the brand in 2023, Formichetti has quickly made PDF a name synonymous with cultural relevance and daring design. The collection Kean debuted channels a seamless blend of ‘90s and early 2000s hip-hop flair with outdoor sports aesthetics, resulting in a raw, yet sophisticated visual language. From fitted caps to baggy trousers and bold patterns, the PDF collection is as much a statement of individuality as it is a celebration of cultural convergence.

The AW25 collection, in particular, epitomizes the spirit of youth movements that reject conformity in favor of self-expression. By integrating Milanese tailoring with streetwear comfort, Formichetti has crafted a collection that speaks to a generation raised on the intermingling of fashion and music. The bandage-shaped belt buckle, plaster-like details, and bright color accents further emphasize the brand’s commitment to merging high fashion with urban grit.

For Moise Kean, stepping onto the runway is more than a foray into fashion–it is a declaration of versatility and cultural impact. Athletes have historically been confined to the roles society casts for them, but Kean’s presence at Milan Fashion Week challenges those stereotypes. His transition from footballer to model is part of a larger trend where sports icons are not only crossing into fashion but actively shaping its evolution. Alongside his football career, Kean is emerging as a cultural influencer, one who bridges the gap between athleticism, art, and fashion.  

PDF’s meteoric rise in the fashion world is also worth noting. In just over a year, the brand has secured 60 global stockists and earned endorsements from celebrities like Drake and Central Cee. Formichetti’s vision to marry street energy with high-fashion sophistication has resonated deeply with tastemakers and fans alike. This debut at Milan Fashion Week solidifies PDF’s place as a go-to brand for those seeking boundary-pushing, culturally rich statements.

The collaboration between Kean and Formichetti marks a turning point in the fashion industry’s narrative. It is a moment of reinvention, inclusivity, and cultural dialogue. By blending the worlds of hip-hop, sports, and Milanese fashion, the duo is redefining how youth culture engages with high fashion. 

 Together, Kean and Formichetti have achieved more than a runway show; they have created a statement of cultural evolution, proving that fashion, like music and sport, is a universal language of self-expression.