The sky may have been cloudy during the Autumn-Winter 2026 season Milan Men’s Fashion Weekbut for many in the city, spirits were high – driven by the excitement surrounding the Olympic Games e Winter Paralympics taking place this year in Milan and Cortina.
With three weeks until the games begin, anticipation is growing across Italy – especially in Milan, which is full of celebrations everywhere. See the Olympic megastore in the city’s main square, Piazza Duomo, the artistic windows of the luxury department store La Rinascente dedicated to the sporting event, or the exclusive winter sports exhibition in the historic Sforzesco Castle.
In the world of luxury fashion, the frenzy has been embraced by , who is dressing Team USA and held an exclusive menswear show – his first in two decades – in the Italian city. Meanwhile, the organized a mini fashion show in its boutique, presenting its EA7 capsule collection inspired by the uniforms of the Italian team, of which it is the official supplier.
An equally big buzz was generated by Dsquared2who returned to the catwalk this season with a ski-inspired collection, modeled by “Heated Rivalry” star Hudson Williams (who also later attended Giorgio Armani’s show).
The joy of the week appears in the midst of a leaner calendar, as weight marks, Bottega Veneta e Jil Sandercontinue to opt for mixed fashion shows (men’s and women’s) in February. Additionally, changes in the creative direction of Gucci and that led to these two giant names being left out of this men’s fashion week.
At the end of the event, the news emerged that the Italian fashion industry had lost another pioneer: who passed away at the age of 93. With his rigorous training in couture and a romantic Italian aesthetic, the designer established himself as a titan of glamor – and continues to influence designers to this day.
See below some highlights of what CNN followed throughout the week:
Zegna’s collection, called “A Family Wardrobe,” was an ode to clothes that were beloved and could be passed down from generation to generation in the family.
Ralph Lauren proved that the reach of its customer base could be younger, by presenting colorful and sporty pieces from its polo line. However, more elegant options are always present, and pieces from their premium Purple brand have emerged without a hitch.
Dsquared2’s fashion shows have been compared to a big party, and this season they took place amidst theatrical snowy backdrops. The bold looks on the runway included mountain climbing ropes.
Large belts with buckles stood out at the Dolce & Gabbana menswear show, as did polka dot prints and tailored cuts.
You can always trust Prada’s creative directors, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, to find new ways to turn classic, or even banal, wardrobe pieces into something interesting. This time, it was the focus on the shirt cuff. The collection was titled “Before and After”, predicting future trends by revisiting those of the past.
