For over a century now, Italian fashion designer Zegna has reigned as a leading global luxury clothing business, particularly when it comes to innovative and sustainable menswear. But for its new summer 2026 collection, the brand is going back to its roots – emphasizing the strength of geological harmony.

Founded by Ermenegildo Zegna in 1910, in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, the ethos of Zegna is said to have been built upon his commitment to Oasi Zegna, a free access nature preserve situated high in the Biellese Alps. What began as a reforestation hobby for Ermenegildo in the late 1920s quickly blossomed into a mature ecosystem, as the Oasi region now spreads 100 square kilometers and has become rich in biodiversity, home to more than 500,000 trees.

The territory serves as not only a unique model of societal and environmental consciousness, but also as a reminder of the countless possibilities when it comes to the melding of humankind and nature – the ultimate thesis of Zegna’s new collection. “There is an immediacy and a liveliness to the earthy allure of this collection that belies the layered thought process behind it,” says art director Alessandro Sartori.

Staged on a sandy catwalk within the Dubai Opera, Zegna’s first runway show outside of Italy, the capsule emulates style shaped by being – fulfilling a vision of togetherness, in which fashion and life flourish as one. Rooted in a tonal mix of organic hues, the contemporary silhouettes have undergone intentional cycles of washing, crinkling and fading, meant to mimic the natural, changing elements of our planet – including the blistering Dubai heat.

Presented alongside a live piano performance by musician James Blake, models reveal the depth of freedom, through means of loose and deconstructed garments. Jackets are light and shirts appear flowy, blurring the line between outer and under wear in variations of muted wool, silk and linen. Staple accessories include moccasins, slippers, wraparound sunglasses and large bags.

From now until June 16, Dubai Opera is operating as Villa Zegna, an entrancing installation that celebrates the legacy and heritage of Zegna’s influence, inspired by Ermenegildo’s very own Trivero oasis. Accessible by invitation only, the private club will host a series of cultural gatherings, intimate lunches, exclusive dinners and industry talks. This is the third Villa Zegna concept for the fashion house, following successful iterations in Shanghai and New York.