Mood board: The boys behind the nascent Milanese brand refer to their work as a project. It is one rooted in a kind of freedom that is, they say: ‘far from seasonal trends and hype’. The hype is here though. A host of young designers working out of cities across the globe are thinking as a network. In a time of social and political revolution, it makes sense to get together and make a louder statement. The subcultures of yesteryear aren’t relevant today – punk might be reinvented but we might not notice. 1990s style clothes are being re-done but they are often a facsimile of a time that never even existed. However, that universal youthful need to dress up and be seen as part of something that is just as strong today. It is just more coded, less about a direct political message or a musical movement. Today styles are downloaded fast. Loris Messina and Simone Rizzo are nurturing a slow, smart approach to this concept of collective dressing. The audience was filled with Sunnei boys and girls with wide-leg pants, clean plimsolls and cocooning outwear. They were part of a club.
Best in show: The autumn/winter 2019 collection looked to the idea of realities. The reality of opening their solo flagship – Spazio Sunnei – on via Vincenzo Vela 8 with their first collection in 2015. Their growing e-commerce business. The connection that Messina and Rizzo have with their fan base. The world today. The duo’s clothes have a simplicity that is far from empty. There is a youthful sophistication, a cockiness to their familial style. Silhouettes clashed from roomy to tight; tulle, chenille and gabardine ushered in a comfy, cool sensibility.
Sound bite: Standout was a fluid trouser, worn with padded bomber and zip-up sports jacket underneath, all in the same fine wool. It is the new three-piece. ‘Actually we started from looking at the typical Italian accounting guy, but then of course reinvented in our way,’ the designers said backstage. ‘Usually we are surrounded by people who inspire us but this season found some drawings and sketches we did when we were 13. So we started with ourselves.’
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Remembering Robert A.M. Stern, an architect who discovered possibility in the pastIt's easy to dismiss the late architect as a traditionalist. But Stern was, in fact, a design rebel whose buildings were as distinctly grand and buttoned-up as his chalk-striped suits
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Didn't make it to Alcova Miami this year? These are our 10 favourite thingsAt the third US edition of the exhibition, designers reinterpreted ancient traditions, artfully refracted light and encouraged sexual exploration
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Inside the Melbourne exhibition which puts fashion renegades Rei Kawakubo and Vivienne Westwood in conversation‘Westwood Kawakubo’ at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne draws on the designers’ shared ‘spirit of rebellion’, curators Katie Somerville and Danielle Whitfield tell Wallpaper*
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The story behind Gian Paolo Barbieri’s cinematic fashion photography, which helped define the 1990sA new Milan exhibition explores the legacy of Gian Paolo Barbieri, a photographer who would shape a vision of Italian style alongside collaborators Versace, Armani and Valentino
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The key takeaways from the S/S 2026 shows: freedom, colour and romance define fashion’s new chapterWe unpack the trends and takeaways from the S/S 2026 season, which saw fashion embrace a fresh start with free-spirited collections and a bold exploration of colour and form
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The independent designers you might have missed from fashion month S/S 2026Amid a tidal wave of big-house debuts, we take you through the independent displays that may have slipped through the cracks – from beautiful imagery to bookshop takeovers, museum displays and moves across the pond
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From wearable skincare to scented runways, unpacking the unconventional beauty moments of fashion month S/S 2026The S/S 2026 season featured everything from probiotic-lined athleisure to fragranced runways – and those Maison Margiela mouthguards
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In Milan, the fashion world gathers to say goodbye to Giorgio Armani at his final showOriginally planned to mark the 50th anniversary of Giorgio Armani’s eponymous house, Sunday evening’s runway show at Milan’s Pinacoteca di Brera would prove to be the last from the designer, who passed away earlier this month aged 91
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Dario Vitale makes sexually-charged debut for Versace, inspired by the ‘bold attitude’ of Gianni VersaceSucceeding Donatella Versace, the ex-Miu Miu design director is the first to helm the brand outside of the Versace family. His debut last night in Milan was staged within the opulent rooms of Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
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The standout shows of Milan Fashion Week S/S 2026This season in Milan, the city is enjoying a wave of creative director debuts, from Demna at Gucci to Louise Trotter at Bottega Veneta. Here are the Wallpaper* highlights so far
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Milan Fashion Week S/S 2026: live updates from the Wallpaper* teamFrom 23-29 September, Milan Fashion Week takes place in Italy’s fashion capital. Follow along for a first look at the shows, presentations and other style happenings, as seen by the Wallpaper* style editors
