Milan’s Ragu & Rhinestones
Simon Cracker’s F/W 26–27 show ‘Ragu & Rhinestones’ leaned into upcycled maximalism, bold textures and playful Italian references — a reminder that maximalist DIY aesthetics still have runway traction. (lasteles.com)
Creative director Simone Botte was credited as the lead for the A/W 26 collection on SHOWstudio’s Milan coverage. (showstudio.com) (showstudio.com) Filippo Leone Maria Biraghi is listed alongside Botte as a regular collaborator on Simon Cracker’s recent runway projects. (gettyimages.com) (gettyimages.com) The season was presented under the banner Slow — Final Chapter: “Aunts,” a narrative framing the collection as an ode to Italian aunts and familial memory. (youtube.com) (youtube.com) SHOWstudio’s press materials and runway imagery document a 48-look lineup for the show. (showstudio.com) (showstudio.com) Reviewers singled out engineered details such as hoop-shaped chain hardware, macro chequered blazers, crinkled sheer fabrics, knee-length peplums and sweater necklines that extended into sleeves. (theglassmagazine.com) (theglassmagazine.com) Footwear for the presentation included pieces custom-made with Dr. Martens using recycled materials, listed in press coverage of the runway. (adlmag.it) (adlmag.it) The Simon Cracker show was scheduled on the official Milan Fashion Week calendar for February 28, 2026 at Piazza Tomasi di Lampedusa, according to Camera Moda’s listing. (cameramoda.it) (milanofashionweek.cameramoda.it) Simon Cracker was founded in 2010 as an upcycling project and the designer has said he often works on collections over a two-year period to source and adapt deadstock and found materials. (simoncrackermilano.com) (simoncrackermilano.com)
