It is Saturday in Milan, and the air smells like espresso and damp wool. Honestly, if you aren't on the ground near Via Tortona, it’s hard to describe the sheer energy of the city right now. People are literally sprinting between shows.
This isn't just another year of clothes. It’s a massive transition.
The biggest Milan fashion week news isn't just about a new silhouette or a "must-have" bag. It's the heavy, emotional weight of the first January menswear cycle without Giorgio Armani, who passed away this past September at 91. Walking past the Armani Silos today feels different. There’s a quiet respect in the air, even as the rest of the schedule moves at a frantic, 100-mile-an-hour pace.
The Ralph Lauren Takeover and the Olympic Connection
Friday night was, quite frankly, a zoo. Ralph Lauren returned to the Milan menswear calendar after a twenty-year hiatus, and they didn't do it quietly. They took over a massive palazzo—the one Ralph bought back in '99—and filled the front row with enough star power to cause a local power outage.
You had Colman Domingo looking incredible in a three-piece suit with a cashmere coat draped over his shoulders. Then there was Liam Hemsworth and Noah Schnapp, the latter just finishing up the final season of Stranger Things.
But the real reason Ralph is here? The 2026 Winter Olympics.
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Since the games are being held in Milan and Cortina this February, the brand is outfitting Team USA. The runway was basically a love letter to "Americana" meets "Italian Luxury." We saw:
- Distressed rugby shirts paired with orange puffers.
- "Texas tuxedos" (denim on denim) that somehow looked expensive.
- Heavy hand-knit ski sweaters that you'll actually want to wear in the snow.
Mark Lee from NCT was there too. The crowds outside were so intense they actually rushed his vehicle when he arrived. It’s a reminder that fashion week in 2026 is as much about K-pop and viral moments as it is about the tailoring.
Dsquared2 and the "Heated Rivalry" Moment
If Ralph Lauren was about "quiet luxury" and heritage, Dsquared2 was a total fever dream. Dean and Dan Caten turned their runway into a snow-covered mountain.
The big shocker? Hudson Williams made his runway debut.
If you haven't seen the Canadian series Heated Rivalry, you might not get the hype, but the internet went into a total meltdown. He opened the show in a distressed denim bomber and these massive, monstrous ski boots. It was chaotic. It was loud. It was exactly what the Caten twins do best. They even ended the show by storming the runway while being carried on the shoulders of two models.
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Prada: The Bosses are Still the Bosses
Everyone is waiting for Sunday. That’s when Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons do their thing. In the world of Milan fashion week news, Prada is usually the "North Star."
The rumor around the Fondazione Prada is that the set, designed by OMA, is going to be something highly immersive—potentially dealing with the idea of "environment and technology" adapting to one another.
Win Metawin, the Thai superstar and brand ambassador, is already in town. So is Karina from Aespa. Expect the clothes to be sharp, slightly "wrong" in that perfect Prada way, and probably full of the "soft armor" silhouettes we started seeing in the Spring/Summer previews.
The New Guard and Big Transitions
It’s a year of "firsts" and "lasts."
- Gucci is now firmly in its Demna era. He skipped the traditional runway for a short film titled La Famiglia, which focuses on a "raw" aesthetic. It's a huge pivot from the polished Gucci of the last few years.
- Versace has Dario Vitale at the helm. This is the first time someone outside the Versace family has held the creative director spot. His debut was all about "outrageous elegance"—think '80s Miami vibes but filtered through a 2026 lens.
- Setchu, the LVMH Prize winner, showed today. Satoshi Kuwata basically invited everyone into a studio lined with tatami mats. The clothes were inspired by a fishing trip to Greenland. It sounds weird, but the zip-placement on the garments that transform bags into jackets is actually genius.
Why the "Librarian" Look is Winning
One of the funniest trends coming out of the recent cycles is the "Sexy Librarian."
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Think shrunken cardigans, thick-rimmed glasses, and pencil skirts. It’s a successor to the "office siren" look. We’re seeing it at Fendi and Jil Sander. It’s basically smart clothes for people who want to look like they actually read books, even if they're just posing for a street-style photographer outside the show.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Wardrobe
You don't have to be in Milan to use these insights. Here is how the 2026 trends actually translate to real life:
- Layering is the new "Statement": Tying a sweater or long-sleeve shirt around your waist is officially back. It adds a "disheveled" texture to a polished outfit.
- Invest in "Industrial" Leather: We aren't talking about biker jackets. Look for leather that feels like fabric—leather button-downs or even leather "sweatpants."
- The "Pop of Orange": This is the color of the season. Even if it's just a beanie or a bag, a bright, slightly "off" orange is what every major house (from Prada to Ferragamo) is pushing.
- Heavy Tech-Footwear: Those giant ski boots at Dsquared2? They’re a sign. Footwear is getting bigger, more functional, and way more experimental.
The week wraps up on Tuesday with a string of digital shows from labels like State of Chaos and Ajabeng. But for now, the city is still buzzing. If you’re looking for the heart of the season, it’s in the mix of the old masters like Paul Smith (who is still getting to the office at 6:00 AM) and the new icons like Hudson Williams.
Keep an eye on the Olympic collaborations. With the games only weeks away, the crossover between "activewear" and "high fashion" is about to hit its absolute peak.