Dubai once again took centre stage, celebrating another landmark moment for a city that consistently leads the way. But this wasn’t just a milestone for Dubai—it was a pivotal moment for global fashion. ZEGNA unveiled its Spring/Summer 2026 collection at the Dubai Opera, marking the Italian luxury house’s first runway show outside Milan Fashion Week. More than a fashion event, the show was a tribute to Dubai, a city ZEGNA described as a “celebration of vision”—and a bold step into a new era of global luxury.
A Stage Set in Sand
Transforming the iconic Dubai Opera into a serene desert oasis, ZEGNA curated a multisensory experience that blended Italian heritage with Emirati spirit. Guests were welcomed by birdsong recorded in Oasi Zegna, the brand’s reforested sanctuary in northern Italy, as they stepped into a space adorned with native ghaf trees, palm fronds, and a sand-strewn floor. The show opened with a live performance by British musician James Blake, whose rendition of Séance set the tone for an evening of quiet sophistication.
Understated Brilliance
The collection featured 54 looks, showcasing a masterclass in relaxed elegance by Alessandro Sartori. Unlined jackets layered over perforated suede shirts, tabard tops spun from linen and paper, and cotton ticking reimagined as summer suiting all featured prominently. Crumpled linen, washable leather, and knitted suede added texture and depth, while a muted palette—ranging from cream and olive to mulberry and chartreuse—evoked the hues of Mediterranean coastlines and desert landscapes.
“This is not just a fashion show,” said Gildo Zegna, Chairman and CEO of the Ermenegildo Zegna Group. “It’s about reinforcing the value of Italian craftsmanship on a global stage.” The decision to hold its first international show in Dubai was a deliberate one.
Twenty-five of the 54 runway looks paid homage to the host city, created exclusively for Dubai. The event drew a dazzling crowd of regional celebrities, influencers, and international press, all gathered to witness a historic moment in menswear.
Villa ZEGNA
Beyond the runway, the Italian fashion house launched a five-day takeover of Dubai Opera with the debut of Villa ZEGNA—a private, invitation-only space inspired by the brand founder’s original family home in Trivero. Guests were treated to exclusive previews of the Dubai capsule collection and the limited-edition Il Conte fragrance, bottled in hand-blown Murano glass.
The Spring/Summer 2026 show wasn’t merely a departure from the Italian fashion capital—it was a declaration of intent. The brand is carving out a new space between classic tailoring and avant-garde experimentation, through innovative materials, a commitment to sustainability, and a celebration of cultural dialogue.
