Alessandro Sartori: Modern Elegance in Zegna Menswear

Alessandro Sartori is one of the leading voices in luxury menswear, as Artistic Director of Zegna, he shapes a Maison that stands at the heart of Italian fashion. Founded in 1910, Zegna is celebrated for its fine fabrics, tailoring, and quiet refinement, and for more than a century, it has grown from a textile mill in the town of Trivero into a global symbol of menswear elegance. Sartori has taken that heritage and given it a modern, sustainable focus. Here’s a spotlight on this revered brand and the man at the helm.

Sartori grew up in Biella, a region long known for wool and weaving. His mother worked as a tailor, and he spent his childhood surrounded by fabrics and fittings. That early exposure gave him a deep respect for craftsmanship. He went on to study textile engineering before completing a fashion degree in Milan. This mix of precision and creativity continues to define his approach.

His career began at Zegna in the late 1980s, where he rose steadily through the ranks and went on to create Z Zegna, a line that gave the house a more contemporary edge. In 2011, he left to become Creative Director of Berluti in Paris, and it’s there that he expanded the brand from a shoemaker into a complete menswear label. His success at Berluti confirmed him as one of the most versatile designers of his generation.

Sartori returned to Zegna in 2016, this time as Artistic Director of the entire group. His collections have softened the lines of tailoring, introduced relaxed proportions, and favoured subtle palettes. He has reshaped Zegna into a house that offers wardrobes for the way men live today, and the result is clothing that is refined but never rigid, stylish yet effortless to wear.

Zegna’s unique strength lies in its control of the entire supply chain, from its own farms to its mills and workshops. Sartori has made this the foundation of a renewed focus on sustainability; take projects such as Oasi Lino, which highlights natural fibres and transparent sourcing that incorporates both craft and responsibility. This philosophy has placed Zegna at the forefront of sustainable menswear.

Sartori’s aesthetic is defined by discretion, favoring proportion, line, and texture over showiness. Inspirations range from architecture and art to the traditions of Italian tailoring, yet his priority remains the man who wears the clothes. He creates garments that are versatile, timeless, and elegant, a wardrobe of authority.

Menswear is in transition, as we see formal tailoring become more relaxed, while casualwear has entered the luxury sphere. Sartori has ensured that Zegna is at the forefront of this shift — and the brand now offers wardrobes that flow seamlessly from business to leisure. It calls to a modern lifestyle without losing the spirit of Italian craftsmanship, offering the best of both worlds.

Alessandro Sartori has refined the language of modern menswear at Zegna; by combining heritage with innovation, he has shaped a house that remains relevant while true to its roots. His work shows that Italian fashion can be contemporary without losing its sense of tradition, and in his hands, Zegna continues to showcase what elegant menswear means today.