Zegna Makes History with Its First Show Outside Milan, in the Heart of Dubai

Jun 12, 2025

written by: Zainab Alabdulrazzaq

In a historic move for the house of Zegna, the brand staged its first-ever runway show outside Milan, choosing the iconic Dubai Opera as the setting for this milestone event. Held last night, the Spring/Summer 2026 presentation brought a new level of grandeur to the heart of Dubai, where the venue was transformed into a desert oasis, drawing inspiration from the spirit and landscapes of the UAE. Zegna showcased 25 meticulously crafted menswear looks, created exclusively for this event. True to its refined aesthetic, the collection emphasized layered silhouettes, rich textures, and breathable fabrics—redefining contemporary elegance for the modern man. The atmosphere merged Italian tailoring with Middle Eastern warmth, solidifying the show as one of the most talked-about fashion moments of the year.

In tandem with the runway debut, Zegna also launched the third global edition of Villa Zegna in Dubai, a private experience tailored for its most discerning clients. Over the next five days, this exclusive space will welcome guests to discover and shop the new collection in an immersive, invitation-only setting. Housed in a luxurious villa, the concept mirrors the original estate of the brand's founder in Italy, offering a curated journey through Zegna’s heritage, innovation, and design philosophy. As the brand deepens its connection with the region, this dual initiative marks a bold and elegant step forward in Zegna’s global narrative.

Zegna's Spring/Summer 2026 collection stands out not only for its visual elegance but also for the extraordinary quality of its tailoring. Each look on the Dubai runway was a testament to the brand's mastery of construction garments sculpted with precision yet designed to move effortlessly with the wearer. The cuts were clean and architectural, but softened with fluidity, revealing a thoughtful balance between structure and comfort. Zegna’s team clearly focused on achieving an almost weightless feel in each piece, making the collection ideal for warmer climates while still retaining a refined, sartorial edge.

What further elevated the presentation was the luxurious mix of materials. The collection featured a sophisticated blend of lightweight leather, soft silks, and airy wools all chosen for their ability to drape naturally while maintaining sharp form. The interplay of matte and sheen, texture and transparency, created subtle layers of depth and movement. Despite the use of traditionally heavy fabrics like leather, nothing felt rigid or overworked; instead, there was a remarkable sense of lightness and ease throughout. It was a masterclass in how modern menswear can merge technical excellence with understated opulence.