Power Couple

Of all the collaborations out there, the one between Ermenegildo Zegna and Fear of God is perhaps the most compelling. We spoke with designers Alessandro Sartori and Jerry Lorenzo to find out more about their common vision.

- Renee Batchelor

In a world saturated with brand collaborations, is there room for one more? And more importantly, will it be saying something new and offer an exciting and compelling point of view? Luxury men’s wear brand Ermenegildo Zegna is known for its impeccable tailoring, and Fear of God for its elevated sportswear. Together, both brands have managed to produce a collection that marries timelessness and flawless construction with a street-inspired twist — call it elegance with an edge.

The most striking thing one would first notice about the campaign images of Fear of God’s exclusive collection for Ermenegildo Zegna is that some of the pieces are modelled on women. (The collection was also modelled on our cover by both male and female models). Zegna, a brand that started as a textile maker in 1910 before growing into one of the most successful men’s wear labels globally, has never ventured into women’s wear before. Perhaps the inspiration came from Lorenzo’s label Fear of God, which while male-focussed, can be worn by any gender. “I design men’s wear but I always keep a woman in mind; I really love the way women wear men’s clothing,” says Lorenzo.

The styling of the pieces suggests, rather gently, a new, more gender-inclusive approach to fashion. Although the clothes were not explicitly made for them, there is nothing to stop women from purchasing an oversized coat or donning a Henley-inspired top. The goal of the collection was to define a new, masculine elegance — one that could be sported by any gender, at any age — that was undoubtedly contemporary.