F/W 2026/27 trends - Milano Unica
During its 41st edition, held from 8 to 10 July, Milano Unica, the Italian trade show for high-end textiles and accessories, proposed new trends for Fall-Winter 2026/27 season.
Trends were presented under the title Performing MU and divided into three themes: Performing Space, Performing Bodies, and Performing Arts.
Here is an overview of the main elements characteristic of each theme.
Performing Space
The inspiration is outer space, conceived as a living and ever-changing environment. In this theme, materials inspired by science fiction become real thanks to technology.
Colours: dark, cold tones, lightened by a silver-coated tint and softened by a cream tint.
Futuristic materials inspired by outer space and science fiction:
- metallic and reflective fabrics and accessories, holographic laminations and mirrored surfaces;
- bonded, coated, laminated and thermoformed fabrics;
- lightweight, resistant fabrics;
- metallic mesh fabric;
- faux fur effect with Lurex filament.
Printing motifs: shaded, abstract, geometric.
Performing Bodies
The body is perceived as a malleable material, open to experimentation with new identities and shapes. The body as a living sculpture: distorted proportions, with oversized shoulders, widened hips, and garments that change shape according to the wearer’s movements.
Colours: rich and luxurious, with pink combined with red tones, in contrast with more classic dark hues.
Ergonomic materials, with padding that exaggerate volumes and proportions:
- padded fabrics and accessories;
- classic fabrics (Prince of Wales check, herringbone, houndstooth, plaid check, tweed) with lamé threads, micro sequins, or flocked overprints;
- pleated fabrics;
- thermoformed wool fabrics;
- 3D effects: fabrics with embroidered details, ribbing, raised stitching.
Printing motifs: shaded, abstract.
Performing Arts
In this theme, fabrics are part of a visual and tactile performance, with materials that change colour and react to movement, creating optical effects.
Colours: bright and vivid, which can be expressed through colour-blocking, as accent colours, or through design combinations.
Richly textured and embellished materials:
- satin, organza, georgette, chiffon, taffeta, velvet, tulle;
- fabrics enriched with inserts, fringes, tapes, and embroideries;
- silicone finishes and overprints;
- iridescent sequins, beads, metallic trimmings, Lurex.
Printing motifs:
- floral motifs;
- photographic effect motifs;
- iridescent printing.
There were a few elements I noticed across all three themes that really stood out to me:
- corduroy – mini or maxi, plain, printed or treated;
- faux fur – long or short pile, simple or textured, sometimes embellished with sequins or Lurex threads;
- padded fabrics with unusual quilting patterns;
- pleated fabrics – from classic styles to more artistic, sculptural folds.
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