Zegna Unveils Chic Spring 2026 Collection in Dubai Runway Show

On June 11, 2025, the renowned fashion brand Ermenegildo Zegna showcased its Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection at a spectacular runway event held in Dubai's Opera Theater. Artistic director Alessandro Sartori presented a collection that epitomized lightness and ease, featuring innovative fabrics and a vibrant color palette, establishing a remarkable departure from the traditional Milan fashion show setting.

Sartori articulated his vision, stating, "As designers, we do half of the work, the other half is in the hands of the customers, who interpret the clothes each day and mold them through their experiences." This season, the collection embraced the concept of layering, reflecting a modern approach to personal style, whereby customers mix their historical pieces with new acquisitions.

The collection included exceptionally light linen suits, weighing a mere 300 grams, created using a novel double-stitching technique. Sartori described the suits as "entirely deconstructed and unlined," providing an airy feel appropriate for the summer season. The runway featured garments styled in a crinkled manner to represent clothing that has been worn and loved, adding a personal touch to the pieces. This thematic representation was enhanced by the Dubai venue, transformed into an oasis with sand dunes and palm trees, complementing the collection's aesthetic.

Gildo Zegna, the Chairman and CEO of the Ermenegildo Zegna Group, emphasized Dubai's strategic importance as a fashion capital, stating, "This place is unique, and we chose to show here and not in Milan this season as a one-off in accordance with Carlo Capasa, head of Italy’s chamber of fashion." He praised the entrepreneurial spirit of Dubai, aligning it with Zegna's rich history of innovation and global expansion.

The event attracted approximately 200 Very Important Clients, who were granted the opportunity to preorder exclusive looks from the collection, including a limited edition fragrance priced at 3,000 euros. Gildo Zegna noted that the Dubai Mall is a crucial retail hub, attracting 110 million visitors annually, making it the brand's best-performing store worldwide.

Sartori’s Spring 2026 collection not only highlighted Zegna's commitment to luxurious menswear but also showcased a seamless blend of classical and avant-garde styles. The runway featured a range of innovative designs, including bombers and jackets made with printed leather, reflecting Sartori’s enthusiasm for materials and experimentation. The collection’s versatility was evident in the presentation of the staple Il Conte jacket, which was introduced in a roomier, boxy silhouette, along with tailored shorts and deconstructed blazers.

Sartori’s approach to this collection stemmed from a desire to explore the middle ground between classic and cutting-edge fashion, as he expressed, "Between classic and avant-garde there is a huge space that has been barely explored, without looking strange." This season's offerings, accentuated by a sophisticated color palette, aimed to redefine the standards of menswear for the modern consumer.

As Zegna continues to expand its footprint in the Middle East, with plans to open five additional stores in the region over the next three years, the Spring 2026 collection marks a pivotal moment in the brand's history. The presentation not only emphasized Zegna's dedication to fashion innovation but also underscored the brand's strategic alignment with the evolving landscape of luxury retail in Dubai. The reception of the collection by clients and industry insiders alike further solidifies Zegna's presence as a leader in the global fashion market, poised for continued growth and influence in the coming years.