The world of luxury fashion thrives on heritage, artistry, and innovation. Two prominent families, Zegna from Italy and Saab from Lebanon, are redefining what fashion legacy means in the 21st century. As global markets shift, technology evolves, and sustainability takes center stage, these two names are not only preserving their brands’ rich traditions but also pushing boundaries to shape the industry’s future.
This collaboration of ideas, values, and creativity is setting a new tone—one that respects the past but speaks boldly to the future.
Ermenegildo Zegna, founded in 1910 in the Italian Alps, has long been synonymous with high-end menswear and fine tailoring. The Zegna family’s leadership has remained a cornerstone of its success, particularly under Gildo Zegna, who transformed the brand into a global luxury powerhouse.
From sourcing wool directly from Australian farms to investing in vertical integration, the Zegna Group has championed control over quality and sustainability. With the launch of its Road to Tomorrow strategy, Zegna is moving toward an eco-conscious, digital-forward vision without compromising craftsmanship.
In 2021, Zegna went public via a SPAC deal, marking a milestone in its evolution. Yet, despite financial growth, its core philosophy remains unchanged—luxury is rooted in legacy and responsibility.
Read more about Zegna’s sustainability journey
Elie Saab, a name that evokes glamour, elegance, and cultural pride, is a leading figure in Lebanese fashion. Starting his atelier in Beirut at the age of 18, Saab quickly gained recognition for his breathtaking bridal and red-carpet gowns.
What sets Saab apart is his commitment to blending Western haute couture techniques with Middle Eastern aesthetics. This unique identity has propelled the Elie Saab brand to global fame, dressing royalty, Hollywood stars, and fashion connoisseurs alike.
Today, Elie Saab Jr., the founder’s son and CEO, is spearheading expansion while staying true to the brand’s roots. Under his leadership, Elie Saab is not just about beauty—it’s about empowerment, preservation of culture, and making couture more accessible.
Learn about Elie Saab’s vision for modern couture
Despite different histories and geographies, the Zegna and Saab families share a deep respect for heritage and innovation. Their brands are family-owned or operated, which allows them to make long-term decisions beyond quarterly profits. This gives them a unique edge in maintaining brand DNA while adapting to modern demands.
Both companies are embracing sustainability—not just as a marketing tool, but as a responsibility. Zegna has invested in reforestation and regenerative agriculture. Saab is incorporating eco-friendly fabrics and promoting slow fashion in a region often overlooked in global sustainability talks.
Digital innovation also connects their future visions. From 3D design to virtual fashion shows, both brands are using technology to tell stories and expand their global presence without losing intimacy.
The most exciting part of this legacy story is how the new generation is leading change. Gildo Zegna and Elie Saab Jr. are redefining leadership in fashion—not as isolated visionaries but as connectors between artisans, engineers, consumers, and culture.
Their shared belief: fashion is not just about looking good. It’s about doing good, sustaining people and the planet, and creating meaningful experiences.
In an interview, Elie Saab Jr. emphasized the importance of “emotional branding”—making customers feel part of something timeless. Similarly, Gildo Zegna often speaks about “authentic luxury,” where quality and purpose go hand in hand.
Explore Elie Saab Jr.’s leadership journey
Another uniting theme is the balance of global expansion with local authenticity. Zegna’s factories in Italy and Saab’s atelier in Beirut are not just production sites—they are symbols of pride, skill, and identity.
This local-global model is a template for other fashion houses. It demonstrates that success does not require abandoning roots. In fact, those roots often become the strongest foundation for international recognition.
As luxury markets become more diverse and younger consumers demand authenticity, brands like Zegna and Saab are in a strong position to lead with integrity.
No legacy brand is immune to challenges. The luxury fashion sector faces inflation, changing consumer behavior, supply chain disruption, and climate pressure. But for the Zegna and Saab families, the answer is not to resist change—it is to guide it.
From smart tailoring to AI-assisted design and fashion metaverse explorations, they are preparing not just for the next season but for the next century.
Their legacies are not museums of the past. They are threads weaving into the fabric of fashion’s future.
The stories of Zegna and Saab are more than just about luxury clothes. They are about heritage, resilience, reinvention, and responsibility. In an industry often accused of being out of touch, these two families are offering a blueprint for lasting relevance.
As the world evolves, it’s clear: the future of fashion will be stitched with the wisdom of the past and the courage of the next generation.
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