Ermenegildo Zegna Men's Fall/Winter 2012

This show may have looked more British than Italian (cutaway collars, corduroy suits)  but  was unquestionably quite dashing.

I've never seen (tassled?) ankle boots like the ones I've included below, but I definitely wouldn't mind a pair.

Full collection.

Any chance we'll eventually see this tux-sweater at the Oscars?

                                         All images copyrighted to GQ.com


-The Scandal

Ermenegildo Zegna and Canali men's Spring/Summer 2012

There was considerable overlap between the Canali and Ermenegildo Zegna shows, which makes sense since the two are among the finest Italian tailoring houses-- both known primarily for their dapper business suits. Each label highlighted softly-structured suits in unconventional-for-business,  pastel colours.

There some differences too; whereas Zegna opted for a minimalist, futurist look for some of its pieces, Canali was a bit trippier with  Eastern and Bollywood-inspired themes.

Zegna

Canali

                                               All images from GQ.com; copyright Conde Nast


-The Scandal

Ermenegildo Zegna, Fall/Winter 2012 Men's collection

With an excellent reputation for smartly-dressed businessmen, this Zegna show was definitely a little "out there"--but that's OK. The most interesting quirk were the collars on the dress shirts.  As you can see below, the collars are rounded, with a tab button.  In fact, the tabs were often presented unbuttoned, either in the spirit of sartorial nonchalance or maybe to simply be more obvious to the viewer as to what they were.

Another odd accessory, worn at the waist,  was a cross between a Batman-like utility belt and  a money belt.

-The Scandal

Ermenegildo Zegna - Spring Summer 2011

Overview: This was a flawless collection of classic-yet-edgy, luxurious and well tailored garments. I also liked the the sprinkling of unconventional colours such as bright orange. Sadly, most Canadian men's stores that carry Zegna will likely stick to the pieces with a more corporate appeal (i.e., navy and grey suits).

Rating: ****

Highlights: one button jackets, cotton knit sweaters

-The Scandal

Ermenegildo Zegna Fall/Winter 2010

Overview: The industry standard as far as wool mills go, E. Zegna is also, of course, now better known for great ready to wear Italian business suits.  Too bad you won't see too many corporate types wearing some of the splashier suits in this collection.


Rating: *** (out of ****)

Highlights: Playful colour tones; soft collared dress shirts
 

 
Lowlights: Not many, but lambskin pants comes to mind;
 

 
-The Scandal

Ermenegildo Zegna Fall 2009 Men's

The Zegna was an unexpected highlight for me. I really love the way the collection rocked the beige/rust/brown/burgundy palette. Actually, as I will later post, burgundy was featured prominently this season in Milan.

Though I don't have many Zegna pieces, I appreciate whatever I have, due to the exceptional quality. Zegna is readily available in cities such as Toronto and Montreal.

-The Scandal