Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori’s breezy SS 2024 showcase for Zegna centered on minimalist separates in natural tones, with linen being the choice of fabric. Titled, “L’OASI DI LINO” (Lightness of being and behaving), the collection raises a toast to modern tailoring and embodies the theme of fluidity via relaxed tailored garments that enable moving about with ease. From deconstructed jackets and breezy shirts to vests and textured knitwear, Sartori’s designs for its Spring 2024 also showcased one of its last season highlights: sack jackets with three-quarter-length sleeves. As for the colour palette, hues like mint green, orange, and flamingo pink meshed with earthy tones like jute, gray and chocolate brown, lending a light and summery vibe to the collection.

The outdoor showcase was staged over the course of four days in the pedestrian square of Piazza San Fedele, Milan. Stalwarts like Andrew Garfield, Mads Mikkelsen, John Boyega, and Chris Pine graced the front rows of the open-air show, which ran the risk of panning out into a bummer, with canvas caps being the only shield offered to protect the guests from the blazing sun.

Zegna’s association with the world of sustainability goes a long way back, and the runway for its Spring Summer 2024 edit was a testament to that—surrounded by 192 bales of raw linen, ethically sourced from the flax fields of Normandy. The brand has reportedly even pledged to ensure full traceability of Oasi Lino fibers—originating from Normandy’s flax plants and blooming with delicate blue flowers during the fleeting days of early summer—likely to enter the production chain and be recycled upon the show’s completion.

Set against the backdrop of Milan’s architectural marvels and embraced by the natural beauty of raw linen, this collection weaves a moment of tranquility within the bustling fashion world, while meshing the versatility of modern tailoring with sustainable practices.