Harrods’ fashion buying director Simon Longland has given the thumbs-up to Brioni, Dunhill, and Dolce & Gabbana following their Milan Fashion Week shows, saying he thinks they “delivered some of the strongest menswear collections this season”. 

Each offered “a distinct perspective rooted in excellence: Brioni for its effortless elegance, Dunhill for a modern yet timeless take on tailoring, and Dolce & Gabbana for the confidence and charm that defined every look,” he explained.

He believes the season was “less about ‘trends’ and more about lifestyle — a clear shift towards clothes that speak to permanence and identity over momentary statements”.

But if pushed to identify trends for the SS26 season he highlighted “soft, neutral palettes – from stone and sand to putty, khaki, and rust; relaxed tailoring that still reflects the precision of master craftsmanship; matching sets — plain or printed, whether shirts and shorts or jackets and trousers; ultra-lightweight fabrics that drape and move effortlessly; [and] elevated jogging sets, notably seen at Prada, showing how comfort and polish can coexist”.

 Back with individual labels, as far as Dunhill was concerned, he wasn’t only bowled over by the collection, but by the label’s presentation concept too. He said it “stood out with a beautifully staged presentation in a hidden private garden in the heart of Milan — intimate, serene, and entirely in tune with the collection’s refined aesthetic”. 

And he was full of praise for Dolce & Gabbana taking the show’s finale outside, “offering the public a moment of shared celebration and connecting the brand to its wider audience”.

Interestingly too, he said that with several key players absent from the official schedule and this edition relying heavily on presentations, “what emerged was a renewed focus on sartorial finesse, technical fabrics, and a lifestyle-led approach to dressing. Italy continues to lead when it comes to mastering elegance, material innovation, and the needs of a sophisticated, grown-up customer”.