10 Up-and-Coming Italian Designers to Watch in 2026

If you’ve been scoping the fashion scene, you know Italy isn’t just about the big legacy houses anymore. Beneath the echoes of Armani, Versace and Prada, there’s a new wave of Italian designers stepping up, bringing fresh energy, fresh ideas, and a fresh take on Made in Italy. These are the folks inheriting the craft, shaking it up, and worth your attention. Let’s roll through 10 Italian designers I believe will be making major moves in 2026.

Francesco Murano

First up — Francesco Murano. Born 1997 in Agropoli (Campania) and founded his label in 2021. He’s already caught major industry attention: finalist for the LVMH Prize 2025.

What makes him special:

• His aesthetic: draped, sculptural, with a classical-meets-modern feel.
• He works meticulously: moulage, asymmetry, clean lines yet fluid movement.
• He’s only just getting started — debuting at the Milano runway with FW25/26 collection.

If you want to ride a trend early, keep Murano on your radar — Italian craftsmanship meets fresh vision.

Giuseppe Di Morabito

Next: Giuseppe Di Morabito. He just made his runway debut at Milan, and his show featured a robot — yes, a humanoid robot walking the runway.

Why he’s worth watching:

• His show concept: merging traditional Italian tailoring and art-inspired drama (armor, corsetry) with tech and performance.
• A combination of historic Italian craft (leather, tailoring) with future-forward thinking.
• Gain: when you pick up someone doing something bold in Italy, the upside is big.

Domenico Formichetti (brand: PDF)

Switching gears: from couture/drama into streetwear. Formichetti launched PDF (Italian label) in 2023 and is already gaining traction globally.

The angle:

• Streetwear with Made-in-Italy DNA.
• Big on youth culture: oversized sneakers, painted denim, bold graphics.
• Already stocked internationally — shows the brand is working.

For streetwear lovers wanting some Italian flavor, PDF is one to watch.

Francesca Cottone (CTRL)

Another fresh face: Francesca Cottone with her label CTRL. She’s blending preppy culture, early-2000s codes, raw tailoring — and interestingly, drawing inspiration from Korean street culture.

Why this mix matters:

• Italy + global street culture = cross-pollination of ideas.
• She plays with duality: tradition vs rebellion, day vs night, preppy vs raw.
• This kind of hybrid identity is very 2026.

Lulu & Anna Poletti (Melampo Milano)

Sister-act alert: Lulu and Anna Poletti behind Melampo Milano. They stand on shirt-making heritage (their family’s craft) and flip it into modern shirts with embroidery, mixed fabrics.

Why watch them:

• Strong heritage = ItFactor in Italy.
• Modern reinterpretation of classic shirts = versatile product.
• If they scale right, could become “basics done differently”.

Jezabelle Cormio (Cormio)

Here’s one: Jezabelle Cormio. Italian-American, started her label focusing on eveningwear with an anarchic, mystical tone.

Why she matters:

• Eveningwear is niche, but when done with personality + craft, it stands out.
• She has early global interest (Opening Ceremony in LA/NY).
• For those interested in the “bold Italian next gen,” she fits.

Alessandra Cappiello (Morphosis)

Alessandra Cappiello’s brand Morphosis: she’s playing with velvet, transparencies, mixed fabrics.

Why keep an eye on her:

• She’s bold with materials.
• Brand energy: high-end, artistic, but wearable.
• If she scales, she might hit “it” brand status among insiders.

Nicola Brognano (Brognano)

Nicola Brognano: winner of the Who Is On Next (Italian talent scouting) and now carving his space in hot couture / semi-couture.

Why he’s interesting:

• Couture energy with a twist = luxury for new era.
• Backed by Italian system (scouting programs) = infrastructure in place.
• His next move could elevate him globally.

Marie Massimo

Marie Massimo might be lesser-known now, but she popped in an Emerging Talents show for SS26 with ultra-luxury bags — each unique, crafted like art.

Why she counts:

• Accessories often provide faster entry into luxury market.
• Unique craft + story = collectible potential.
• If she nails branding, she’ll be on radars quick.

Vincenzo Palazzo (Vien Atelier)

Finally: Vincenzo Palazzo of Vien Atelier. He studied menswear and reinterprets classics (trench, plaid trousers) in massive tailoring.

Why this matters:

• Big size silhouettes are in — he has the zeitgeist.
• Menswear in Italy still has room for breakout names.
• If he plays his cards right, he’ll stand out for modern tailoring.

What They All Share — The Italian Signature

So what ties these ten together beyond being Italian and up-and-coming?

• Made in Italy craft: Even as they vary in style, they respect quality, fabric, detail.
• Heritage meets innovation: They’re not copying heritage — they’re remixing it.
• Global mindset: They’re Italian, yes, but ready for the world.
• Narrative & identity: Each brand has a story — not just clothes, but expression.
• Timing: The fashion system in Italy is investing in emerging talent. Initiatives like “Designers for the Planet” by the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana support them.

Why 2026 Is the Year to Watch Them

• Milan Fashion Week and Italian fashion bodies are spotlighting emerging names more than ever.
• The global audience (buyers, media, influencers) is hungry for “next gen” — new labels with strong identity.
• With established houses shifting, the space opens for fresh voices.
• Sustainability, craft, culture are bigger themes now — traits many of these designers lean into.