RUNWAY: Ermenegildo Zegna FW11

A year after Ermenegildo Zegna's 100th anniversary, they looked to the Far East as part of their inspiration for their Fall/Winter 2011 collection. The brand has expanded very heavily in China in recent years and we feel that they are taking inspiration from East Asian fabrics and fit in this collection, as well as using a large number of Asian models, which is to be commended.

The overall collection, however, felt unsure of its identity. The looks ranged from classic Zegna (sartorial and made-to-measure) to printed silks and a color scheme that didn't seem to fit with the venerable brand's usual aesthetic. Their efforts at creating a pan-Asian/European collection is to be applauded but it feels rather disconnected from both.