Zegna Fall/Winter 2026

This year’s Zegna AW26 show was titled “A Family Closet” and was all about the passing down of cherished items to the next generation. This was especially relevant to the brand because, as recently as November, Ermenegildo “Gildo” Zegna, the group’s chairman and CEO, assumed the role of executive chairman, whilst Edoardo and Angelo Zegna, members of the fourth generation of the Zegna family, were appointed Co-CEOs of the Zegna brand, succeeding Gildo Zegna.

The show itself took place around a giant imaginary closet. This set was filled with some incredible archived pieces from the brand’s storied history. One item that was especially impressive was a museum-like glass display case preserving “ABITO N.1”: known as the first suit, crafted in the 1930s Su Misura for Count Ermenegildo Zegna, in 100% Australian wool. Other items came from the personal closets of Gildo Zegna and Paolo Zegna, both members of the third generation of the Zegna family.

This theme of passing down was not just literal, but also about growing one’s closet, accumulating pieces that have lived lives, and that one day can be passed on.

Zegna’s Creative Director Alessandro Sartori’s show reaffirmed the brand’s position as one of menswear’s leading luxury houses. The show itself felt rooted in the past whilst, at the very same time, making every look feel entirely relevant. Think long and loose silhouettes that give a real attitude to tailoring. The overcoats were a particular favourite: big and long, with stunning square shoulders, some with elegant slits down the centre of the back, as much about function as they are about look.

As with all things Zegna, fabric played centre stage. Rich and sumptuous textiles included tweed fantasia in wool/paper or wool/alpaca; Trofeo wool printed flannel; washed double cashmere panno; grisaglia fantasia in Trofeo wool; and washed cotton/wool Oxford. I could go on and on, but you get the point. The palette was also impressive, with tones that were entirely wearable whilst being anything but boring.

Alessandro Sartori has created a collection that feels tested and worn-in. Each garment seems as though it has been improved or worked on in some way. There are so many pieces to love; however, if you do one thing next fall, invest in a Zegna overcoat, and look after it for the next generation.