Suggesting that the most sophisticated thing a man can be in 2026 is kind might seem like a provocative stance. Yet, for Autumn/Winter 2026, Corneliani chose to explore a more cerebral, almost tender philosophy of dress. They call it ‘The Gentle Man,’ a play on words that shifts the focus from social status to a nobility of spirit, where elegance is framed as an act of kindness rather than a display of wealth.
At the Via Durini palace in Milan, the Mantua-based house staged their presentation within the courtyard, where guests were first met with a short, AI-composed cinematic piece. It was a sequence of grainy, flickering tapestries about human connection: the silhouette of a father and son by the sea, the weight of a hand on a friend’s shoulder, the applause in a darkened theatre. As the screen gave way to a runway designed like a vintage cinema, complete with velvet seating, the show’s end credits scrolled through the alphabetical names of the brand’s entire workforce.
When the clothes finally emerged, they carried that same sense of unforced presence. The silhouette for the season has been allowed to breathe; shapes are intentionally ample, leaning into a 1950s-inflected aesthetic that feels sturdy yet liberated. We saw double-breasted coats with generous raglan shoulders paired with trousers that boasted deep, triple-pleat constructions and high waists.

The technical curiosity of the house was visible in the more experimental pieces; specifically, a new, collarless jacket with rounded hems that swayed between a traditional blazer and a piece of modernist sculpture. There was also a clever play with layers: cropped bombers featuring graphic stitching and double collars were styled over diaphanous silk turtlenecks and weightless nylon liners, creating a visual depth that rewarded those looking closely.
The materials, as expected from a house of this pedigree, were exceptional. There is a palpable weight to the collection, favouring pure cashmere, alpaca yarns and double-twisted cotton trenches with bonded Glen Plaid linings. The leathers, including nubuck and Nappa, were presented with a thicker, more substantial hand.
The palette remained grounded in the natural world: lichen greens, airy beiges and a spectrum of greys and browns that harmonised with the delicate nature of the designs. Accessories followed suit, featuring slim-sole boots and extra-long belts designed to be wrapped twice around the waist – a small, stylish quirk in an otherwise disciplined lineup.
Corneliani crafted a wardrobe for the man who understands that the most powerful thing you can be in an uncertain world is composed, respectful and, above all, gentle.
Discover the collection here.
photography. Courtesy of Corneliani
words. Gennaro Costanzo




















































































































































































