For Resort 2026, Gabriele Colangelo turns to the quiet poetry of the natural world, drawing particular inspiration from the Cypraea caputserpentis—a rare cowrie shell whose speckled, serpentine surface becomes the symbolic and aesthetic thread woven throughout the collection. This subtle yet striking motif underscores a lineup that gracefully balances the designer’s signature precision with a newfound sense of softness and ease.

A monochromatic interpretation of the cowrie’s pattern lends quiet dynamism to sheer turtlenecks and crisp cotton trench coats, disrupting the otherwise serene, solid-toned palette with thoughtful contrast. Accessories nod to this natural muse as well—cowrie-shaped pendants strung on leather straps double as belts, adding a touch of organic tactility and continuity to the collection’s tailored elegance.

This season also marks a shift in Colangelo’s approach to structure. A sense of relaxed refinement pervades, as seen in a standout hybrid blazer: its tailored wool front is offset by flowing viscose at the back and softened with shirt-like sleeves, creating a silhouette that flirts gently with both form and fluidity. Similarly, a classic button-down is reimagined with batwing sleeves and concealed openings, transforming it into a light, cape-like piece that dances between simplicity and quiet drama.

Utility—a signature in Colangelo’s design lexicon—remains present, but with a whisper rather than a shout. Discreet snap buttons and removable elements suggest modularity and adaptability, offering wearers the freedom to shape each garment to their mood or moment.

Textural innovation adds further depth to the collection’s restrained beauty. Laced inserts fuse cotton, nylon, and viscose, resulting in a subdued yet richly layered surface. A cotton-and-raffia jacquard vest, finished with a lively fringe, injects playful movement while maintaining craftsmanship at its core.