Zegna, the renowned Milanese tailoring house, showcased its Spring Summer ’26 collection at the Dubai Opera House, astonishingly transformed into a verdant oasis for the event. The show featured a curated soundtrack by British artist James Blake, while famous faces such as Mads Mikkelsen adorned the front row, donning one of Zegna’s successful linen stand collar jackets.
Creative director Alessandro Sartori crafted a collection that celebrated elevated understatement. Models walked the runway either barefoot or in worn mule loafers, accentuating the laid-back yet luxurious vibe with oversized shirts, relaxed bombers, and crinkled blazers layered for a chic effect. Sartori captured the essence of a well-travelled man, perfectly suited for evenings beneath the desert sky, drawing inspiration from an evocative image of clothing casually piled on a chair, representing a life lived to its fullest.
Alongside the runway highlights, Sartori introduced five styling tips for the upcoming summer season:
1. **Embrace Crinkles:** Moving away from traditional steaming and ironing, Zegna’s ultra-crinkled suits offer a carefree attitude while remaining impeccably cut.
2. **Plaid clashing:** Mixing different plaid patterns in similar shades adds a fashionable twist, with large check overshirts paired with Madras shorts standing out as a savvy move.
3. **Roomy overshirts:** Opt for oversized outer shirts layered over light fabrics to stay chic and comfortable in the soaring heat.
4. **Invest in stand collar jackets:** Known for their unique style, these jackets should ideally fit close to the body while maintaining an ample collar for an elegant aesthetic.
5. **Mules remain trendy:** The casual appeal of loafing in mules captures the spirit of summer, transitioning seamlessly from beach outings to evening gatherings.
This collection not only reflects Zegna’s commitment to comfort and style but also suggests a bright future for fashion that balances luxury with casual ease. Celebrating individuality and relaxed sophistication, Zegna’s Spring Summer ’26 collection invites everyone to step into a new season with confidence and flair.