From Milan: a first for the Trofeo Arbiter, and Kiton doubles up on Montenapoleone
Italy remains the reference point for men’s tailoring, from Naples to Milan. Two stories from this autumn show where it is heading.
A first for Milan’s tailoring trophy
Javin Tan Yi Chen, founder of Singapore’s bespoke house Common Suits, has won the 2026 Milano su Misura – Trofeo Arbiter, becoming the first non-Italian tailor ever to take the prize, ahead of 24 competitors from Italy and abroad. Italy’s ambassador to Singapore, Dante Brandi, met him this week to mark the win, ANSA reported on 3 November.
This year’s theme was “Style on Board and Dockside”. Tan’s winning outfit: an ocean-blue double-breasted jacket in a Loro Piana blend of wool, silk and linen, worn with ivory trousers and nautical details.
The lesson for the rest of us: Italian-style tailoring now belongs to everyone, and blue with ivory is one of the most elegant warm-weather combinations there is. It works just as well in Nairobi as on the Italian Riviera — pair it with cognac loafers or a navy double-monk.
Kiton: “We are not relocating; we are doubling up”
Naples’ Kiton, one of the most exclusive names in tailoring, announced a second Milan flagship on Via Montenapoleone, set to open in September — 250 square metres over two floors — while keeping its existing store. The company closed 2025 with €230 million in revenue (+3%) and planned to grow from 67 to 70 boutiques this year, according to FashionNetwork.
Strong brands at the top of the market keep investing in physical stores, because tailoring is still something men want to see, touch and try.
The Qanda take
Italian menswear is moving towards softer construction, richer textures and colour — burgundy, ocean blue, ivory — while the shoes stay classic: polished oxfords, monk straps and loafers. Browse our shoe collection, half price for Black November.
Sources: ANSA — Common Suits and Italian fabrics · FashionNetwork — Kiton debuts on Via Montenapoleone
