| By Elena Sendona on September 29, 2025 |
At Milan Fashion Week, Francesca Liberatore delivered a show that went beyond seasonal trends, presenting her Spring/Summer 2026 collection titled “Alètheia”—a powerful Greek word that translates to “truth.” True to its name, the collection invited the audience into a deeply personal and reflective exploration of fashion’s emotional and social dimensions, at a time when the world is anything but still.
Rather than turning away from the global unrest and cultural noise that mark the present day, Liberatore leaned into them. Her work this season is a creative reaction to instability and dissonance. “We’ve all been overwhelmed by events greater than what a creative sensibility can absorb,” she stated, noting her reliance on persistence and craftsmanship in navigating turbulent times.
The show opened with symbolic headpieces reading “Imagination,” “Possibility,” and “Thinking”—setting the philosophical tone of the event. These words acted as a guide for the audience, preparing them for a narrative centered on reflection, resilience, and emotional clarity.
A standout aspect of the presentation was the innovative collaboration with Sony. Models walked the runway wearing Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones—an aesthetic and functional touch that reinforced the collection’s message. These high-end headphones, celebrated for their cutting-edge noise-canceling technology, became emblems of modern sophistication and wearable serenity. As Stéphane Labrousse of Sony Italy stated, the headphones elevate silence into a luxury, offering calm amid chaos.
This season’s garments fused romantic nostalgia with modern practicality. Liberatore repurposed textiles such as vintage bedsheets and antique cotton voile, transforming them into ethereal jackets and classic overcoats. In a neutral palette of ivory and earthy tones punctuated by vivid lobster red and moody blues, the silhouettes were both tender and sculptural. Raw-edge jersey, jacquard, printed lace, and oversized circle-cut constructions gave the pieces fluidity, while layered details and multifunctional accessories—some of which doubled as headphone cases—added an intelligent, utilitarian edge.
The mood on the runway was purposefully slow, emphasizing grace over spectacle. Skirts with interchangeable parts, jackets that became shoulder straps, and accessories that echoed themes of utility and peace encouraged a shift away from fast fashion’s aggressive pace. It was an invitation to pause and rediscover quality—both in material and mindset.
With “Alètheia,” Francesca Liberatore proved that fashion can be both deeply conceptual and utterly wearable. The show was not just a creative presentation—it was a message. In a world where truth is often blurred, Liberatore’s vision serves as a reminder that fashion still has the power to express sincerity, purpose, and soul.
| After the Milan show, Liberatore will carry this spirit to Tashkent, where she will be the guest of honor at an exclusive event hosted by the Italian Ambassador to Uzbekistan on October 11. This international recognition further underscores her role as a global ambassador for thoughtful, Made in Italy excellence. |
