Top designers and anticipated collections
As Milan Men’s Fashion Week Spring 2026 approaches, anticipation is building around the return of Italy’s most iconic fashion houses. Giorgio Armani is expected to deliver another masterclass in refined elegance, with whispers of a collection that revisits his signature soft tailoring while introducing subtle nods to 90s minimalism. Armani’s show, often a highlight of the week, is likely to draw a global audience eager to see how the brand continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
Prada, known for its intellectual approach to fashion, is rumoured to be exploring themes of futurism and functionality this season. With co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons at the helm, the Spring 2026 collection is expected to blend utilitarian aesthetics with unexpected fabric choices and silhouettes, pushing the boundaries of traditional menswear.
Fendi is also generating buzz, particularly with its continued focus on craftsmanship and innovation. The brand is anticipated to showcase a collection that balances Roman heritage with contemporary design, possibly incorporating artisanal techniques and sustainable materials. Fendi’s menswear has been gaining momentum in recent seasons, and this show could further cement its position as a leader in luxury menswear.
Other major players like Dolce & Gabbana, Etro, and Missoni are also set to present their latest offerings. Dolce & Gabbana is expected to lean into its signature Sicilian flair, with bold prints and sharp tailoring, while Etro may continue its exploration of bohemian elegance through rich textiles and layered styling. Missoni, known for its iconic knitwear, is likely to bring a fresh take on texture and colour, perfect for the Australian market’s love of relaxed yet refined fashion.
International labels with a strong presence in Milan, such as JW Anderson and 1017 ALYX 9SM, are also on the radar. Their inclusion adds a global perspective to the week, offering a mix of British eccentricity and streetwear-infused luxury that resonates with younger, fashion-forward audiences.
With such a diverse lineup of designers, Milan Men’s Fashion Week Spring 2026 is shaping up to be a dynamic showcase of creativity and craftsmanship, offering plenty of inspiration for Australian fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
Emerging talent to watch
While the established names continue to dominate the headlines, Milan Men’s Fashion Week Spring 2026 is also shining a spotlight on a new generation of designers who are redefining the boundaries of menswear. Among the most talked-about emerging talents is Giulio Ferrante, a Milan-based designer whose architectural approach to tailoring has caught the attention of international buyers. His upcoming collection is expected to feature deconstructed blazers, asymmetrical cuts, and a muted colour palette that speaks to a minimalist yet expressive aesthetic—an approach that could resonate strongly with Australia’s urban fashion scene.
Another name gaining traction is Leonardo Valli, a graduate of Istituto Marangoni, who is making waves with his gender-fluid silhouettes and sustainable production methods. Valli’s designs often blur the lines between streetwear and high fashion, incorporating recycled fabrics and artisanal dyeing techniques. His Spring 2026 presentation is rumoured to include oversized outerwear and layered separates, offering a fresh take on trans-seasonal dressing that aligns well with Australia’s varied climate.
From outside Italy, Yuto Nakamura, a Japanese designer showing in Milan for the first time, is generating buzz for his fusion of Eastern craftsmanship and Western tailoring. His debut collection is expected to feature hand-embroidered details, natural fibres, and a muted earth-tone palette. With a focus on slow fashion and cultural storytelling, Nakamura’s work could appeal to Australian consumers increasingly drawn to authenticity and sustainability in their wardrobe choices.
Also worth watching is Studio Anselmi, a design collective known for its conceptual approach and immersive runway experiences. Their Spring 2026 show is set to take place in an industrial space on the outskirts of Milan, promising a multi-sensory experience that merges fashion, sound, and digital art. The collective’s use of tech fabrics and modular garments could offer a glimpse into the future of menswear, particularly for Australian creatives and stylists looking to push the envelope.
These emerging voices are not only bringing fresh perspectives to the Milan runways but are also challenging traditional notions of masculinity, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Their presence adds a dynamic layer to the fashion week narrative, offering Australian audiences a chance to discover the next big names before they hit the mainstream.
Key trends and style highlights
Spring 2026 in Milan is already shaping up to be a season defined by bold experimentation and a return to refined essentials. One of the most noticeable trends emerging from the runways is a renewed focus on fluid tailoring. Designers are moving away from rigid structures in favour of relaxed silhouettes, soft shoulders, and wide-leg trousers, offering a more comfortable yet polished look. This shift is particularly relevant for Australian men seeking versatile pieces that transition seamlessly from work to weekend.
Another standout trend is the embrace of earthy and sun-washed tones. From terracotta and ochre to sage green and dusty blue, these hues are dominating collections and reflect a growing desire for garments that feel grounded and connected to nature. These colours not only complement the Australian landscape but also lend themselves well to layering and trans-seasonal styling.
Utility-inspired fashion continues to hold strong, with cargo trousers, multi-pocket vests, and technical outerwear making frequent appearances. However, this season’s take is more refined, with elevated fabrics like silk blends and lightweight wool replacing traditional canvas and nylon. This evolution of utilitarian style offers a sophisticated edge that aligns with the practical yet fashion-conscious sensibilities of Australian consumers.
On the more avant-garde end of the spectrum, sheer fabrics and mesh layering are being used to challenge conventional ideas of masculinity. Shirts, tanks, and even suiting elements are being reimagined in translucent materials, creating a sense of vulnerability and sensuality. While this may be a bolder look, it’s one that’s gaining traction among younger, style-forward Australians who are open to pushing boundaries.
Accessories are also playing a key role this season, with a noticeable uptick in statement eyewear, oversized bags, and sculptural jewellery. Footwear trends are leaning towards hybrid styles—think loafers with sneaker soles or sandals with technical fastenings—offering both comfort and edge. These pieces are ideal for the Australian lifestyle, where functionality and fashion often go hand in hand.
Finally, sustainability is no longer a niche concern but a central theme across many collections. Designers are showcasing garments made from recycled textiles, plant-based dyes, and low-impact production methods. This conscious approach is resonating with Australian shoppers, who are increasingly prioritising ethical choices without compromising on style.
Whether it’s through relaxed tailoring, earthy palettes, or innovative materials, the key trends from Milan Men’s Fashion Week Spring 2026 reflect a broader shift towards authenticity, comfort, and individuality—values that are deeply aligned with the evolving Australian fashion identity.
Top designers and anticipated collections
Giorgio Armani is once again expected to anchor Milan Men’s Fashion Week with his signature blend of timeless elegance and modern refinement. His Spring 2026 menswear collection is rumoured to explore lighter fabrics and a more relaxed silhouette, perfect for the Australian climate and our love of effortless sophistication. Armani’s show is always a masterclass in understated luxury, and this season is no exception.
Prada, a perennial favourite among fashion insiders, is set to deliver a collection that balances intellectual design with wearable appeal. With Raf Simons and Miuccia Prada continuing their dynamic collaboration, expect a fusion of sharp tailoring and conceptual layering. Early whispers suggest a palette of muted neutrals punctuated by bold accents—ideal for the minimalist yet statement-making Aussie wardrobe.
Fendi is also generating buzz, particularly for its innovative use of materials and playful reinterpretation of classic menswear staples. Silvia Venturini Fendi’s vision for Spring 2026 is said to include deconstructed suiting and utilitarian details, offering a fresh take on masculine dressing that resonates with the modern, style-savvy man.
Other heavyweights like Dolce & Gabbana and Zegna are poised to make waves, with both houses expected to lean into their heritage while embracing contemporary silhouettes. Zegna’s continued focus on sustainability and textile innovation is especially relevant for the Australian market, where eco-conscious fashion is gaining momentum.
For those watching closely, the Spring 2026 edition is shaping up to be a season where tradition meets transformation—where the icons of Italian fashion push boundaries while staying true to their roots. It’s a moment not to be missed for buyers, stylists, and fashion lovers alike.
Emerging talent and trend highlights
Fresh energy is pulsing through the Milan runways this season, with a new guard of designers stepping confidently into the spotlight. Among the most talked-about is Matteo Ferri, whose debut collection under his eponymous label delivered a poetic blend of streetwear and tailoring. Think oversized linen blazers paired with mesh tanks and drawstring trousers—pieces that feel right at home in both Milan and Melbourne. His use of sun-washed pastels and raw-edged finishes speaks to a relaxed, coastal masculinity that’s bound to resonate with the Australian market.
Another standout is the London-born, Milan-based duo behind Studio Orso, who are redefining menswear codes with gender-fluid silhouettes and unexpected fabric pairings. Their Spring 2026 collection featured sheer organza shirts layered over structured denim, and wide-leg trousers in iridescent silk—looks that blur the lines between masculine and feminine with a distinctly European edge. For Aussie stylists and buyers, it’s a compelling direction that aligns with our growing appetite for inclusive and expressive fashion.
On the trend front, there’s a clear shift towards tactile minimalism. Designers are embracing texture over print, with slubbed cottons, crinkled silks, and matte leathers dominating the collections. This season’s palette leans into earthy neutrals—sand, clay, olive—with the occasional pop of saffron or cobalt. It’s a grounded, wearable aesthetic that feels perfectly suited to the Australian lifestyle, where versatility and comfort are key.
Accessories are also having a moment, particularly in the form of sculptural bags and statement footwear. Chunky sandals with exaggerated soles and crossbody pouches in soft, unstructured shapes were seen across multiple shows. These pieces offer a practical yet fashion-forward update for the modern man’s wardrobe, and are likely to be snapped up by Australian retailers looking to inject some edge into their menswear offerings.
Perhaps most exciting is the way these emerging voices are challenging traditional narratives around masculinity. From fluid tailoring to soft colour stories, the Spring 2026 season is a celebration of individuality and self-expression—an ethos that’s increasingly embraced by Australian consumers. As the lines between streetwear, luxury, and gender continue to blur, Milan is proving once again that it’s not just about heritage—it’s about evolution.