For Spring-Summer 2026, Alessandro Enriquez chooses to tell the story of Italy through a universal symbol of sweetness and memory: gelato. The inspiration runs deep into the history of Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, the Sicilian who brought gelato to France in the seventeenth century, spreading it across Europe. From this story emerges a collection that, more than fashion, becomes a statement of intent: an ironic and sentimental dialogue between Italian heritage and contemporaneity.

For this journey, Enriquez draws inspiration from Rossella Jardini, one of the great “Ladies of Italian fashion,” whose influence shapes the collection with a sharp, unmistakable hand: polka dots, bold hues — white, red and black — and the ability to reinterpret classic codes through a pop lens. Making its return is a leopard print described by Hilary Alexander as “democratic and timeless,” here reimagined in signature Enriquez style, mingling with prints of kisses and strawberries.

Here, Jardini’s contribution comes through with full force: polka dots scale from micro to maxi, weaving into the stripes of beach umbrellas and summery all-over patterns. The season’s new icon, the “fashionable hen,” brings a lightness to a wardrobe that isn’t afraid to smile. And as a final seal, the slogan “lunga vita alla signora”— long live the lady — appears on printed and embroidered t-shirts, a declaration of loyalty to a femininity that is intelligent, inclusive and timeless.
The collection comes to life through a carefully considered and responsible fabric selection: viscose twill and jersey, organic cottons, duchesse woven from recycled yarn, denim and silk-blend satins. The colour palette is broad and generous, with graphics that become narrative canvases populated by village square festivities, seaside lunches and old-fashioned gelaterias — a fresco of collective joy and vibrant contemporaneity.

The collection is “multi-flavour”: strawberry, banana, chocolate, lemon, pistachio. Each flavour becomes a language and an opportunity to explore different silhouettes and materials. Eighties-inflected denim, enriched with golden hardware and experimental cuts, enters into dialogue with effortlessly chic chemisier dresses and full circle skirts in luminous duchesse. Oversized poplin shirts alternate with t-shirts embroidered with the mantra “amore, amore, amore”.Among the standout pieces, the long polka-dot dress reinterprets the Signora’s signature motif in a contemporary key, while the striped skirt evokes the dolce vita atmosphere of a Riviera summer. A cocktail proposal in black taffeta with a white rose brings a romantic character, counterbalanced by maxi trapeze skirts featuring oversized drawn gelato prints — an ironic, instantly recognisable touch.

The Enriquez wardrobe is completed by all-over strawberry print minidresses, tailored multicolour striped suits and tops with floral ruches, all underlining the collection’s playful, uninhibited spirit.

This is not a collection built on special effects, but on the desire to give back lightness and joy. Like gelato in summer, these clothes promise style — but also memory, irony, freedom. And above all, love.