The Oasis Reimagined: Zegna’s S/S 2026 Collection in Dubai
In 1910, Ermenegildo Zegna, the visionary behind the luxury Italian brand, realized a dream by creating the Oasi Zegna in Piedmont, Italy. Fast forward 115 years, that dream has evolved into a stunning showcase at the Dubai Opera, where Zegna’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection was unveiled to an audience of 600 captivated guests. This remarkable event intertwines the rich heritage of Zegna with the dynamic allure of Dubai.
A New Oasis in the Desert
The presentation in Dubai marked a significant milestone for Zegna, as the brand sought to recreate its iconic Oasi. The new oasis, born from inspiration and innovation, features a blend of palm trees and ghaf trees, known for their capacity to reach deep underground water sources. This thoughtful planting scheme serves as a beautiful metaphor for resilience—a striking contrast between the lush greenery and the sandy catwalk that echoed the essence of the desert setting.
Material Charm and Deconstructed Style
Artistic director Alessandro Sartori articulated the collection’s philosophy, highlighting a “material charm” that speaks to both depth and simplicity. The garments, characterized by their relaxed volumes and intentionally faded colors reminiscent of sun exposure, embody an effortless elegance. The collection emphasizes deconstruction; lighter jackets can be casually cinched at the waist, while the Il Conte model, inspired by Zegna’s founder, is showcased in a boxier silhouette.
Innovative Shirt Design
Sartori has also pushed the boundaries of traditional shirting. The innovative designs blur the lines between function and style, as shirts transform into fluid outerwear or anoraks, tapping into new tricot materials. This combination offers a fresh take on the classic shirt, encouraging versatility and wearability.
The Allure of Deconstructed Blazers
The collection’s deconstructed blazers feature two-button closures and are crafted from ultra-lightweight leather that feels like a second skin. Suits are reimagined with mattress-like or pajama stripes, adding a relaxed flair to formal wear. Field jackets, cardigans, and blazers sport low pockets and come in a variety of contemporary shapes, infusing an air of modernity into classic menswear.
A Palette of Luxurious Materials
Luxury is at the forefront of Zegna’s material choices for the season. The collection includes summer Shetland wool, soft silk, and airy linen, alongside ultra-light poplin made from silk and cotton-silk blends. Other unique fabrics, such as jacquard-effect linen and rustic hand-spun silk, ensure comfort without sacrificing style. The inclusion of cotton and wool terry with paper blends highlights an innovative approach to sustainability, further elevating the collection’s ethos.
Accessorizing with Intent
Softness and comfort extend beyond garments to accessories as well. Casual moccasins evoke the feel of home slippers, while spacious bags and wraparound sunglasses bring a relaxed sophistication to the overall look. Each accessory integrates seamlessly into the narrative—celebrating a life lived intensely and luxuriously.
A Celebration of Individuality
Sartori’s vision translates into a broader concept of personal expression through fashion. “We designers do half the work. The rest happens when customers interpret the designs day by day,” he remarked. This perspective champions individuality and invites wearers to embrace unconventional interpretations—a key theme throughout the show.
A Taste of Italian Style in Dubai
The week-long transformation of the Dubai Opera into Villa Zegna reflects the brand’s commitment to heritage and innovation. The concept, previously showcased in New York and Shanghai, serves as a cultural bridge, blending Zegna’s Italian roots with Dubai’s modernity.
The Vision for the Future
When asked about selecting Dubai as the presentation site, Gildo Zegna, president and CEO, asserted, "Today Dubai is an essential vision of the future." The significance of this location is amplified by Zegna’s presence, as their largest single-brand store lies within the bustling Dubai Mall, frequented by millions of visitors from various nationalities each year. The UAE currently accounts for 10% of Zegna’s revenues; thus, showcasing the collection here reinforces its global strategy.
This meticulous blend of heritage, innovation, and cultural homage characterizes Zegna’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, capturing the essence of a brand that embraces both history and future vision in the world of luxury menswear.
