Next Vintage, the most aristocratic exhibition dedicated to vintage fashion and accessories, will take place at Belgioioso Castle, in the province of Pavia, from April 17 to 20, 2026.
An exclusive showcase where the stars will be the clothing and accessories from various eras selected by the 60 exhibitors in attendance.
Rediscovering and celebrating the past to offer the future the depth of time remains, alongside sustainability, one of the exhibition’s priorities; since its very first edition, it has supported and promoted vintage fashion culture.
Fashion from the past always makes a comeback. Not only as a source of inspiration but also in the form of clothing and accessories from bygone eras that are enjoying a second lease on life because they are sought after, unearthed, and put up for sale. In fact, countless people are opting for vintage pieces instead of buying new ones.
When past and present intertwine, a trend emerges that is never just about fashion: vintage becomes a statement of identity, an emotional refuge, and a bridge between generations.
In this age of hyper-connectivity, constant updates, and the pursuit of “new at all costs,” vintage is making a comeback. Clothing, vinyl records, home furnishings, cars, and even appliances from years past are once again becoming part of everyday life. This is not merely an aesthetic trend, but a cultural movement that grows year after year, capable of speaking to the hearts of people seeking authenticity.
Vintage is a way to reclaim a time perceived as slower, more genuine, and more tangible. It is a call to personal and collective stories that, in an accelerated world, seem to become even more precious.
Buying vintage also means embracing a more sustainable lifestyle. In an era when fashion’s environmental impact is in the spotlight, choosing a garment, a vinyl record, or an object that has already been used is an act of awareness and respect for the planet.
The 2026 fashion trends embrace a futuristic aesthetic, transforming everyday pieces into avant-garde visions, bursting onto the scene ready to turn our closets into true style showcases. This year, styles focus on sharp contrasts: from futuristic to sacred, from laid-back boho to rebellious punk, not to mention vintage mixes, which add a personal touch.
An eclectic mix of the 1980s and the early 2000s (Y2K), with a focus on structured blazers, low-rise waists, miniskirts, and leather pieces. Vibrant colors like amethyst purple and limoncello yellow dominate, paired with a romantic style featuring lace, ruffles, and retro floral prints.
Here are the key vintage trends for Spring 2026:
Edgy ’80s: Blazers and coats with padded shoulders take center stage to redefine the silhouette, often paired with balloon pants.
Y2K Revival (2000s): A bold return of low-rise styles on pants and skirts, shorts, and a reimagined preppy look.
Miniskirts and Leather: The miniskirt is a must-have, available in leather, denim, with ruffles or flounces. Leather dominates in head-to-toe looks and outerwear like bomber jackets.
Eclectic Mix: The trend encourages mixing retro elements, such as ruffled skirts and vintage blazers, into personal ensembles.
Colors and Prints: Bright, saturated palettes with lemon yellow and amethyst purple as standout colors. Accessories and Footwear: Loafers, sabots, and comfortable shoes for a minimalist style. Sneakers remain popular in vintage, slim, or suede styles.
Romantic Details: Make room for vintage-inspired lace and embroidery, blending a retro spirit with romantic vibes.
SIDE EXHIBITION:
History and Evolution of the T-Shirt, a Cult Piece with a Rebellious Spirit
From James Dean to Maria Grazia Chiuri, the white T-shirt is a reflection of the times
The white cotton shirt known as the T-shirt—simple and versatile—is capable of telling many stories through its very simplicity. While it hasn’t undergone major changes over the years, its role has certainly shifted many times, from a simple undergarment worn beneath heavy work clothes to a full-fledged fashion item capable of conveying political and social messages.
The T-shirt, now the quintessential unisex garment, originated in men’s wardrobes: made of cotton or linen, the earliest records date back to the Middle Ages, when it served to protect the skin from direct contact with heavier clothing.
It takes its name from its shape: a large rectangular piece of fabric sewn into a T-shape, with tails that were tucked into the pants; in the 1800s, these tails were removed, and the T-shirt took on the design we all know today.
Once the exclusive preserve of gentlemen who could actually afford that extra layer, workers began creating DIY T-shirts by cutting the sleeves and length off their overalls for greater comfort and freedom of movement.
Manufacturers recognized these new needs and began mass-producing T-shirts with a more fitted cut and in a variety of fabrics, including jersey.
By the end of the century, the British Royal Navy required sailors to wear flannel shirts under their uniforms, and by the turn of the century, the crew was finally allowed to wear only those shirts while working on deck.
In 1913, the U.S. Navy adopted the T-shirt as official uniform wear, but this time in cotton, a more comfortable material that dried faster. This is where
Fruit of the Loom comes into play, destined to become one of the most famous T-shirt manufacturers in the world.
It wasn’t until 1920 that the term “T-shirt” was coined; it gradually became all the rage among athletes and college students, and although it was still viewed as underwear not to be worn in public, by 1938 its growing popularity prompted the Sears brand, Roebuck & Co. to advertise it for the first time as a “multi-purpose shirt”—and thus as an outer garment perfect for work as well as for sports and outdoor camping.
In 1939, it made its first appearance in The Wizard of Oz, then came the 1950s and everything changed. These were the years of the beautiful and damned, of Marlon Brando and James Dean leaning out from their motorcycles in leather jackets, jeans, and white T-shirts: the T-shirt became not only the coolest item to wear in public but also a symbol of rebellion against societal norms.
In Miami, people began experimenting with the first graphics and designs, and by the late 1950s, the company Tropix Togs obtained a license to print Walt Disney’s most famous characters on its T- shirts, marking a historic turning point for the fashion world and beyond; the T-shirt transformed into a blank canvas capable of promoting countless messages, from a brand logo or a rock band’s name to slogans.
In the 1960s, screen printing emerged, making the printing process even simpler and faster. The result: not only were cotton T-shirts everywhere, but they also became synonymous with personalization and freedom of expression.
The rebellious spirit à la *Rebel Without a Cause* is not about to disappear; on the contrary, it is revived in the punk spirit of the 1980s, when the T-shirt became a tool for conveying political messages, such as the stance against the Vietnam War. The garment became a cult item and an integral part of the French women’s wardrobe thanks to Jane Birkin and her disarming, no- frills elegance, as she wore it with jeans and a straw bucket hat, and officially unisex as well: Jacqueline Bisset scandalized the world with her wet T-shirt in the film The Deep (1977).
The T-shirt is a garment with conceptual connotations that inherently expresses a spirit of rebellion, which is why it has captivated generations of creatives and intellectuals.
In the 1990s, short-sleeved T-shirts became the hallmark of celebrities and pop stars; even major luxury brands jumped on the bandwagon and released their own versions: Yves Saint Laurent and Dior led the way in the 1970s, followed in the ’90s by Chanel, Lacoste, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren. The off-duty looks of actresses and models reveal the T-shirt’s chic nonchalance: Kate Moss’s look is iconic as she walks alongside Johnny Depp in a white crew- neck T-shirt and Prada tweed-print pants, part of the collection that marked the advent of “ugly-chic.” Still brimming with political significance—just think of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s famous 2017 T- shirt for Dior featuring the slogan “We should all be feminists”—the T-shirt continues to be our favorite blank canvas.
