Clothes fit for a gentleman at Milan fashion week

Italy is synonymous with creating some of the most impeccable and beautifully made garments in the world, and Milan is a city that oozes style, sophistication and elegance. It’s no wonder, therefore, that some of the world’s most famous fashion houses choose to showcase their latest designs in Milan. The likes of Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Brunello Cuccinelli are just a few examples of some of the brands in the line up, and we’ve rounded up the best of the week below.

Images from Zegna

Sports lux was the name of the game at Z Zegna this year (the brother label to Stefano Pilati’s Ermenegildo Zegna Couture label), and the aim of the show was clearly to differentiate this much younger, cooler label from it’s more its more mature older brother. Tailored trousers, boots, overcoats and general basics for the freezing winter weather took centre stage, with greys, browns and blacks making up a wearable and neutral palette.

Images from Armani

This year, Armani’s show was all about the gentleman; about stepping back and slowing down. Mr Armani put all of his focus on the process and on redefining the role of the man in society. The Armani man is one who removes himself from the sense of urgency that so many of us suffer from and who’s in search of a more honest idea of luxury. Soft tailoring, beautiful accessories and a more relaxed approach to the stereotypical working man were showstoppers.

Images by Marcus Tondo

The elegance of the Brioni man was exaggerated even further during this stunning, sophisticated and perfectly tailored display of exactly how a real gentleman should dress. A modern update on hiking boots took over the traditional city shoes that would normally be paired with the three piece suit. Bold checks, neutral colours and a serious air of sophistication went hand in hand with Brioni this year and the show certainly did not disappoint.

Photos by Kim Weston Arnold

The Canali show this year was all about the continued exploration of the sartorial and the impeccably well-dressed gentleman. The show demonstrated a collection dominated by checked suits and double breasted overcoats in various combinations of green, blue and aubergine.

Photos by Alessandro Garofalo

The spiritual, relaxed but still sartorially sophisticated gentleman was at the forefront of Etro. There was an air of 70s sophistication about the show, with navys and pinks, contrasting together in a sharper-than-expected manner.

Photos by Yannis Vlamos

The Gucci show this year marked the one year anniversary of the appointment of Gucci’s creative director, Alessandro Michele. The clothes, since this appointment, have been noticeably different – in the best way possible. Patterns and bright colours were the name of the game this season, with the aura of the show taking on a series case of the 70s.

Photo from Tod’s

The Tod’s man is the type of man who travels incessantly and who has a need and desire to shop of the finer things in life – and this season’s show made this very much apparent. The inspiration behind the clothes this season has the modern traveller, the type of man who requires soft tailing and easily wearable pieces, be it a light-weight leather jacket or the right kind of day bag. Colours were neutral and fabrics were bold and tailored and the entire collection was wearable to a fault.

Photo by Dan & Corina Lecc

If there’s one word that can define Ralph Lauren, it’s luxury. This is a brand that has a lifetime of history and heritage, and one who’s clothes are so immersed in luxury and sophistication that it’s hard to find anything that will rival it. Showcased at the show was urban outerwear laced in shearling and faux-fur, where textures and materials included suede, cowhide and fringing and the star of the show was the white that’s so commonly associated with Ralph Lauren.

One of the best-loved things about Dolce & Gabbana is that they chose to showcase such a variety of gentlemen, that there’s always an element of surprise. This year saw varying clothes, fashion and sophistication; whether it was the cowboy-inspired poncho, the modern update on the three-piece suit or the brand’s impressive and modern take on the archetypal Italian work-boy, complete with a flat cap and a beautiful overcoat.

Photos courtesy of Brunello Cucinelli

Brunello Cucinelli this season showcased a collection that was very much centred around the idea of the man and his father; the idea that generational fashion is something worth investing in, with emphasis that all types of gentlemen can wear the type of clothes at Cucinelli designs. Sports lux was a recurring theme, mixed in with a beautifully tailored edge. The presentation focused on wearable neutrals, comfortable fabrics and the seemingly simple art of layering like a true gentleman.

Photos by Yannis Vlamos

The Italian brand is commonly associated with sportswear, but this year it decided – on account of many brands doing similar things – to move things forward. The collection is all about a soft focus on the silhouette, with all eyes on the mainly grey and black suiting, giant parkas and soft leather overcoats, all with a neutral and dark palette.