BEAMS of light piercing the platform at Milano Centrale bounce off the carefully considered fibres of Ermenegildo Zegna’s AW19 collection. Models emerge from clouds of dust articles, creating imagery of days gone by when billows of steam from passing trains would curl through the air on a crisp winters commute.
The train station – traditionally a place fuelled by an intermingling of travellers and diverse groups – acts as a backdrop to a collection that is a connection of diversities. The artistic director, Alessandro Sartori says the inspiration for the collection came from his “urge to advocate the power of openness and multiplicity” in a time when “borders keep being narrowed around the world”. He wants to perfect his vision of the contemporary metropolitan wardrobe; “tailoring for a cross-generation of global customers.” This results in formal ensembles which are exquisitely tailored, in a variety of stimulating textures, but still functional for the modern wearer.
Metallic grey, ink blue and burnt burgundy are carried by responsible, recycled and recyclable materials. Each piece is made from pre-existing wool, cashmere and nylon fabrics under the slogan #UseTheExisting. Accompanying bags are geometric, modular solutions and designed to complete Ermenegildo Zegna’s functional formula.
The collection is a material embodiment of a cold winter’s night spent in a lively city and a staple for any city dweller’s wardrobe.
by Alicia Pountney
Available in store and online.