Milan just wrapped its Spring/Summer 2027 menswear shows, and the real headliner wasn't a celebrity in the front row; it was the scorching 40°C heatwave. Trying to convince men to look sharp when the pavement is melting requires serious design magic. Thankfully, the heavyweights delivered. Instead of burying us in unnecessary gimmicks, the best shows of the week leaned into two distinct moods: absolute, stripped-back minimalism, or lux dressing for an extended holiday.

Prada
Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons decided that the antidote to a chaotic world is, quite simply, to stop overcomplicating your wardrobe. Titled ‘Clarity,’ their collection was a masterclass in hyper-controlled, razor-sharp silhouettes. The duo took every day, pragmatic uniform staples - the white tee, the denim jacket, and the basic jean - and subjected them to a high-fashion distillation process. Walking down a clear Perspex runway lit by cold fluorescent tubes, models showed off a skinny, linear fit. Classic denim jackets were cropped to perfection, and sheer trousers revealed the internal architecture of the seams. It was streamlined further through structured pouch bags suspended directly from utility belts, completing a cohesive wardrobe framework built on precise instincts.

Etro
Over at Etro, creative director Marco De Vincenzo took us on what he called "Extraordinary Journeys." If Prada is about staying firmly in the grid, Etro is about getting your passport stamped somewhere exotic. The collection felt beautifully spontaneous and deeply romantic, heavily leaning on archival foulard prints, rich madras, and the brand’s quintessential Paisley motif. Everything was designed to look soft, unbothered, and entirely relaxed. Fluid silk shirts layered effortlessly beneath printed suede trench coats, while double-faced silk dusters moved beautifully in the breeze. Completed with woven raffia caps and luxury luggage wrapped in the historic Arnica fabric, it was tailoring treated with absolute ease.

Giorgio Armani
Designed by Leo Dell’Orco, the massive 160-look co-ed show inside the courtyard of Palazzo Orsini was a masterclass in elegant holiday dressing. Dubbed the ‘Mediterranean Market,’ the collection leaned heavily into lived-in, tactile textures that actually thrive in warm weather, featuring sun-scorched suedes, breezy mesh knits, and crinkled linens. The legendary Armani jacket returned with a looser, elongated cut, worn half-unbuttoned over fluid trousers. The multi-pocket safari and cargo jackets offered a great utilitarian edge, while an oversized woven straw hat and a stunning midnight blue criss-cross cardigan rounded out a wardrobe fit for a terrace in St. Tropez.

Santoni
For those who appreciate the finer details of Italian craftsmanship, Santoni delivered an intimate presentation centred on the concept of human connection. Titled ‘The Art of Encounter,’ the collection focused on blending traditional, slow-made artisanal techniques with the frantic pace of modern life. The footwear house showcased exactly why their hand-finished work remains unmatched, setting up live artisan demonstrations around a sculptural infinity table. The iconic Carlo loafer made a major comeback, featuring a clever personaliation service allowing you to swap out interchangeable tassels to match your mood. 

Alongside it, the Ira double-buckle shoe combined incredibly soft suede with a full-grain calfskin toe, utilising the house's signature hand-painted colouring. Paired with slouchy, reversible shopping bags in dome-grain leather, it was the ultimate collection for the modern traveller who refuses to compromise on quality.

Images courtesy of respective brands.