Ermenegildo Zegna: Secret Garden

The Ermenegildo Zegna Couture Summer 2018 show played out in an intimate courtyard of Milan’s Università Statale, where Alessandro Sartori spent his time as a student reading, writing and sketching. Now, it serves as the artistic director’s sanctuary to explore modern masculine sensuality, as models sauntered onto tangerine lawns dressed in the languorous-yet-sporty silhouettes he favours.

Once again, Zegna’s immaculate fabrication is showcased, with Couture levels of craftsmanship (represented by the ubiquitous Triple Stitch logos) elevating the clothes. Fluid washed silks, century cashmere and pure mohair confer tangible weightlessness to the collection, while mesh jacquards, together with perforated and intarsia leather, provide sheer effect.

The interplay of proportions depict freedom and ease, as classic shirts are replaced with voluminous tops, doubled tank tops and scoop neck sweaters, with active and tailored trousers and joggers on the bottom. The result is the sense of a fresh summery breeze pervading the collection, as clothes billow and move with insouciance. Even the colours paint a laid-back mood outdoors: natural shades of walnut, signature vicuña, geranium, freesia, lotus, cypress and bleached aqua, splashed with optical whites.

The collection also allows the freedom for one-of-a-kind personalisation, as each and every garment and accessory from the show can be customised with handmade knotting, painting and embroidery uniquely crafted by Zegna artisans, providing the truest personal touch.

View the key looks from The Ermenegildo Zegna Couture Summer 2018 Show at the official website here.

Words by Belda Chung