“Timeless Identity,” Elisabetta Franchi’s pre-fall 2026 collection, was born from a desire to reinterpret the brand’s enduring aesthetic codes through a contemporary lens with a distinctly urban sensibility. “This collection reflected, on the one hand, my evolution as a woman and, on the other, the brand’s ongoing evolution in the present,” the designer explained. An in-depth exploration of the archives shaped a more essential and pragmatic language, oriented toward a bold yet measured approach to everyday dressing. Franchi envisioned a woman who is confident, self-aware, and unmistakably feminine; eager to explore every dimension of her personality without the constraints of an imposed dress code. The collection presented a wardrobe less focused on special occasions, and was instead designed to satisfy the desire to feel attractive and assured at every moment of the day. Wool trench coats, impeccably tailored suits, little black dresses, knit dresses, satin bombers, coated or studded denim, robe-style jackets and pencil skirts, pinstripes and lace, silk crêpon and draped faux leather, glossy vinyl and animal textures: the dialogue between menswear-inspired elements and overt femininity was deeply felt throughout. Romanticism tempered her idea of sensuality—never concealed, yet never overtly displayed. Details took on a leading role: zippers were elevated to jewelry-like accents, corset belts sculpted the silhouette and emphasized the waist, while golden fringes applied to the heels of décolleté shoes introduced movement. Padlocks—one of the brand’s most recognizable symbols—added character to the bijoux. The color palette ranged from black to butter, nude to midnight blue; amber brought depth, while red—exceptionally rare in her collections—introduced a note of vibrancy and energy.
