The fashion world is already turning its gaze towards the upcoming year, with the Fall/Winter 2026 menswear season scheduled to commence in Milan. The prestigious Pitti Uomo men’s trade show will inaugurate the season on January 13th, leading directly into Milan Fashion Week (MFW) Men’s, slated from January 16th to 19th.
This season promises an impressive roster of designers and brands. Noteworthy comebacks include Ralph Lauren, making a significant return to the Milan schedule after two decades, and Zegna, which is set to showcase its latest collection back home after a special presentation in Dubai. DSquared2 will also rejoin the runway following a brief hiatus. The MFW Men’s calendar is packed with Italian heritage brands such as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Paul Smith, Tod’s, Canali, Etro, and Bally. A poignant moment will be Giorgio Armani’s inaugural men’s show since the passing of Mr. Armani. Furthermore, Milan’s rich presentation schedule, renowned for its refined tailoring, welcomes fresh faces like Bottega Bernard, K-Way, and Stone Island, with the latter featuring an installation by visual media artist Ken-Tonio Yamamoto. Ferragamo is also reinforcing its commitment to menswear with a return to the men’s calendar in a presentation format, a first since 2019.
The Fall/Winter 2026 season holds particular significance as it aligns with the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, hosted across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. In commemoration, the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI) plans an Olympics-themed campaign during MFW Men’s, showcasing artifacts from the Olympic Museum in Lausanne and spotlighting emerging brands like Cascinelli, Ascend Beyond, Moarno, MTL Studio, Via Piave 33, and LVMH Prize 2023 winner Setchu. Carlo Capasa, president of the Italian Chamber of Fashion, underscored Milan’s pivotal role in creative and men’s fashion, emphasizing the collaborative spirit among institutions, businesses, and creative forces to bolster the global competitiveness of ‘Made in Italy.’ He highlighted the importance of nurturing new generations through initiatives like Fondazione Sozzani’s Fashion Hub and advocating for young talents such as Domenico Orefice, Simon Cracker, and Marcello Pipitone.
Milan's fashion scene stands as a dynamic nexus of heritage and innovation, continually evolving while honoring its rich traditions. The city's dedication to both established maisons and emerging designers fosters an environment where creativity flourishes, setting global trends and reinforcing Italy's esteemed position in the international fashion landscape. This forward-looking approach, coupled with a commitment to nurturing new talent, ensures a vibrant and sustainable future for the industry.