GABRIELE COLANGELO RESORT 2026

Gabriele Colangelo’s Resort 2026: A Study in Nature and Nuance

For his Resort 2026 collection, Gabriele Colangelo drew inspiration from the organic elegance of the Cypraea caputserpentis cowrie shell, a natural artifact with a serpentine silhouette and speckled texture. This motif became the cornerstone of the collection, weaving a thread of symbolic luck and aesthetic cohesion through prints, accessories, and innovative design.

The cowrie’s distinctive pattern was distilled into a singular, monochromatic print that lent a dynamic edge to the collection. Applied to diaphanous turtlenecks and crisp cotton trenches, the print contrasted sharply with the collection’s otherwise restrained color palette, injecting vitality into Colangelo’s signature tailored forms. Accessories echoed this theme with finesse: cowrie-shaped pendants dangled from leather cords, doubling as belts, while delicate jewelry added tactile allure and reinforced the collection’s naturalistic narrative.

This season, Colangelo softened his typically precise tailoring, embracing a more fluid and versatile silhouette. The collection prioritized lightness, evident in hybrid pieces that married structure with ease. A standout blazer reimagined traditional tailoring with shirt-style sleeves, a woolen front, and a flowing viscose back, creating a silhouette that oscillated between discipline and freedom. Similarly, a reinterpreted classic shirt featured batwing sleeves and concealed openings, transforming into a cape-like form that exuded effortless sophistication.

Utility remained a subtle undercurrent, refined through thoughtful details. Snap buttons on outerwear and detachable elements introduced modularity, inviting wearers to adapt the garments to their needs. This focus on functionality underscored Colangelo’s vision of fashion as both empowering and practical.

Textural innovation elevated the collection further. Laced inserts blending cotton, nylon, and viscose created a muted yet rich chromatic interplay, while a jacquard vest with cotton and raffia boasted dramatic fringing, infusing craftsmanship with a playful spirit. These tactile experiments grounded the collection in a sensory experience, balancing refinement with approachability.

Not every risk landed seamlessly, however. An asymmetric skirt, intended to layer over pants with contrasting lengths and textures, veered into gimmickry. In contrast, a minimalist spaghetti-strap dress employed asymmetry with greater restraint, achieving a more harmonious effect.

Ultimately, Colangelo’s Resort 2026 collection was a compelling exploration of nature-inspired design, softened tailoring, and subtle experimentation. While some bold choices felt less resolved, the lineup reaffirmed the designer’s ability to blend elegance, innovation, and wearability with quiet confidence.

All images courtsey of Gabriele Colangelo