Zegna FW26 Men’s Collection Is a Study on the Family Wardrobe
Alessandro Sartori reimagines heirloom silhouettes with modern tailoring and innovative fabrics.
Summary
- Zegna FW26 explored heritage through a “family wardrobe,” staging garments from four generations as heirlooms
- Archival silhouettes were reimagined with checks, loden pleats, reversible suits and layered overshirts
- Innovative fabrics like recycled jacquards and Trofeo wool anchored a rich, iridescent palette
Zegna’s Fall/Winter 2026 menswear collection at Milan Fashion Week explored heritage through the metaphor of a family wardrobe, blending generational memory with contemporary craft. Artistic director Alessandro Sartori staged the show around an oval runway lined with garments from four generations of the Zegna family, including the founder’s first tailored jacket from 1930. This setting underscored Sartori’s philosophy that clothes, when made to endure, become heirlooms — repositories of memory passed between fathers, sons and future wearers.
The collection itself reflected this theme by reinterpreting archival silhouettes with modern innovation. Heavy checks, russet tones and cardigan coats nodded to the 1970s, while broken box pleats referenced traditional loden coats from northern Italy. Double‑breasted suits featured reversible leather‑covered buttons that could fasten three ways, a playful twist on classic tailoring. Sartori also introduced lighter overshirts without pockets to encourage layering, alongside padded cashmere cardigans and suede jackets with high collars. These pieces balanced vintage inspiration with technical ingenuity, reinforcing Zegna’s reputation for timeless yet adaptable menswear.
Material innovation remained central to Sartori’s vision. Printed herringbone, cashmere shearling and jacquards made from recycled paper fibers elevated familiar patterns into weightless fabrics, while Zegna’s iconic Trofeo wool continued to anchor the lineup. The palette ranged from sage green and mustard to deep browns, punctuated by subtle iridescence. Together, the collection conveyed a sense of continuity and emotional resonance, presenting garments as both functional attire and collectible heirlooms.
