Milan Menswear Fashion Week: A Stylish Retreat to the Slopes

Milan's menswear fashion week kicked off with a flurry of winter-themed shows, showcasing the latest collections from top designers like Ralph Lauren and Dsquared2.

Ralph Lauren made a grand return to Milan after 24 years, presenting a collection that emphasized American elegance. The show featured formal suits and tweeds, complemented by rugged boots, capturing the attention of celebrities such as Liam Hemsworth and Tony Leung Ka-fai.

With the Winter Olympics set to begin on February 6 in Italy, Lauren's collection hinted at Olympic inspiration, showcasing stylish winter attire such as patterned jumpers and a striking blue ski suit cinched with turquoise accents.

Meanwhile, Dsquared2 introduced a line for the autumn-winter 2026-27 season, featuring bold puffer jackets styled like dresses and oversized parkas adorned with extravagant faux fur hats. The show was opened by Canadian actor Hudson Williams, known for his role as a professional ice hockey player in the series "Heated Rivalry."

Other notable brands, including Armani's EA7 and Italian label K-Way, are also embracing the Alpine theme in their upcoming events leading up to the Milan-Cortina Winter Games.

On the first day, designer Alessandro Sartori presented a unique collection at Zegna, which included structured jackets paired with flowing trousers in earthy tones. Sartori's work emphasized a return to craftsmanship, reflecting a positive shift in Italian fashion amid current industry challenges.

Italy's fashion sector is facing a downturn, with menswear turnover dropping by 2.1% in 2025. Despite this, industry leaders are optimistic, focusing on new markets and innovative designs.

The highly anticipated Giorgio Armani show is set for Monday, marking a significant moment as it will be the first without the legendary designer, who passed away in September. His collaborator, Leo Dell'Orco, has promised continuity while introducing fresh colors and fabrics.

As the weekend progresses, renowned brands like Prada and Dolce & Gabbana will showcase their latest collections, while British designer Paul Smith makes a notable return to the runway.