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For the first time in its storied history, ZEGNA, the renowned Italian luxury menswear house, stepped outside of its Milanese home base to present a collection abroad, and it chose Dubai as its inaugural destination. The move signals a deepening connection between the brand and the Middle East, a region increasingly central to the global fashion conversation.
And what better venue to debut such a monumental moment than the Dubai Opera? Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the architectural marvel served as a dramatic stage for a show that was as much about environmental consciousness as it was about quiet luxury. For one night, the iconic auditorium was transformed into an immersive natural landscape, the floor dusted with sand, the set anchored by trees which will be re-planted throughout the city after the event.
The collection itself was a masterclass in muted sophistication. A palette of earthy tones, sun-washed yellows, olive greens, soft browns, and creamy neutrals, paired with breezy, lightweight fabrics conveyed an understated elegance that felt both effortless and rooted. The silhouettes leaned toward relaxed tailoring and fluid lines, characteristic of Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori’s vision for modern menswear.
Accessories played a pivotal role in the narrative, from sculptural leather bags to sandals and slip-ons that felt artisanal yet wearable. In a playful subversion of convention, some models strolled the runway barefoot, clutching their shoes, a gesture that reinforced the show’s grounded, elemental spirit. The casting was a notable highlight, reflecting ZEGNA’s inclusive and contemporary ethos. The runway featured a range of ages and even included several female models, a subtle nod to the brand’s expanding influence and philosophy that transcends gender norms.
Setting the tone for the evening, British singer and ZEGNA’s official music advisor James Blake opened the show with a hauntingly beautiful live rendition of his Sinners song “Séance.” His performance on the grand piano infused the venue with emotional depth and cinematic atmosphere. The evening closed with Blake and Alessandro Sartori, symbolising the artistic fusion that defines ZEGNA’s current era.
Among the star-studded audience were key cultural figures from the region and beyond: Tunisian actor Dhafer L’Abidine, Emirati entrepreneur Anas Bukhash, Syrian star Qais Sheikh Najeeb, as well as international icons such as Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen and Turkish heartthrob Boran Kuzum.
