Antonio Riva Milano turned to the quiet poetry of Claude Monet this season, unveiling Ninfee, a Fall Winter 2026 collection shaped by the atmosphere of the artist’s famed lily ponds. The result is a study in light, movement, and material depth, translated through the house’s signature couture precision. Conceived as an homage to Impressionism, the collection approaches fabric the way Monet approached canvas. Surfaces shift. Colors breathe. Each garment is designed to register subtle changes in light, creating what the brand frames as a visual and sensory experience rooted in motion.
At the heart of Ninfee is a textile language built to feel responsive. Sheer layers, veils, and soft overlays evoke the depth and translucency of water, while liquid organza, satin, and mikado introduce a painterly finish that gives the gowns quiet dimensionality.
Rather than relying on static structure, the collection encourages movement. As garments shift on the body, their surfaces catch and refract light, reinforcing the Impressionist reference point without falling into literal interpretation.
Intricate embroidery and textured applications add further depth, echoing the fine detail work associated with Impressionist masterpieces. Weightless prints contribute a sense of visual vibration that keeps the pieces in gentle motion even at rest.
The color direction follows the mood of Monet’s gardens. Tones move through violet and wisteria, layered greens, and saturated blues, before deepening into black cherry pink and marron glacé.
The progression feels intentional. Lighter botanical shades introduce softness, while the darker notes anchor the collection with quiet depth. The interplay creates a shifting chromatic rhythm that mirrors the changing light conditions that inspired the original paintings.
Silhouettes throughout Ninfee maintain Antonio Riva Milano’s reputation for refined construction while embracing a softer visual line. Layered forms wrap the body with precision yet retain a sense of ease, establishing an ongoing dialogue between architectural structure and fluid movement.
This balance is central to the collection’s identity. The gowns do not overwhelm the wearer. Instead, they move with her, allowing material and form to interact naturally as the body shifts.
The collection debuted on Wednesday, February 25, at the Illulian boutique on Via Manzoni 41 in Milan. The choice of venue carried its own significance.
Illulian, long recognized for its expertise in high end rugs and textile surfaces, represents a Milanese tradition of craftsmanship and material research. The setting reinforced the collection’s focus on surface, texture, and artisanal knowledge.
The presentation also marked the opening chapter of a new collaboration between Antonio Riva Milano and Illulian. Over the coming months, the two houses will develop a special project grounded in shared values of quality, precision, and a unified creative vision.
With Ninfee, Antonio Riva Milano offers a Fall Winter 2026 collection that leans into atmosphere and material intelligence. The Impressionist influence is clear, yet the execution remains firmly within the brand’s couture vocabulary.
As Milan Fashion Week continues to spotlight houses refining their point of view, Ninfee stands as a reminder that fashion, at its most compelling, often begins with observation. In this case, a still pond, filtered light, and the patience to translate both into cloth.
Inspired by what you read?
Get more stories like this—plus exclusive guides and resident recommendations—delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to our exclusive newsletter
Resident may include affiliate links or sponsored content in our features. These partnerships support our publication and allow us to continue sharing stories and recommendations with our readers.