Wine, Stone & Heritage: The Monterosso Val d'Arda Festival Returns to Castell'Arquato

Nestled among the medieval streets of Castell'Arquato — one of Italy's most beautiful historic villages, awarded the Orange Flag by the Touring Club Italiano — the Monterosso Val d'Arda Festival celebrates its 13th edition on 9–10 May 2026.

Free to attend, the two-day event is dedicated to the Monterosso Val d'Arda DOC, a native white wine from the hills of the Piacenza province with a history dating back to at least 1536, when it was first documented — and reportedly enjoyed by Pope Paul III Farnese.

The Monterosso is a blend of local white grape varieties — Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, Moscato Bianco, Ortrugo, Trebbiano Romagnolo and others — produced exclusively in six hill municipalities of the Piacenza area. It comes in three styles: still, sparkling (frizzante) and fully sparkling (spumante), each straw-to-golden in colour with a delicate, characteristic nose.

This year's programme introduces structured masterclasses with guided tastings and food pairings, with ticket proceeds entirely donated to Piacenza's Centre Against Violence.

Beyond the glass, the festival lines the scenic via della barricaia with over 32 local wineries and a rich street food offer: tortelli, anolini, DOP Coppa, Grana Padano and more. Talks and a wine-painting workshop round out the daytime programme, while the Trekking del Vino winds through the vineyards and gentle hills of the Val d'Arda — one of the most evocative ways to discover this winemaking valley. The day closes with the Monterosso After Party, an evening DJ set from 7 pm.

The event is organised by the volunteers of La Goccia APS and holds patronage from the Municipality of Castell'Arquato, the Province of Piacenza, and the Emilia-Romagna Region, which awarded it the #Plastic-freER sustainability label.

Castell'Arquato (PC) — 9–10 May 2026, 10:00–20:00. Entry free. Masterclass bookings: +39 331 372 4570 / info@monterossofestival.it

Tell The Truth's Luxury Streetwear Debuts at Terrazza Martini at the Official Milan Fashion Week FW26/27

The Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026–27 calendar was marked by a significant arrival. Tell The Truth, the brand led by Rainy Womack, chose the legendary Terrazza Martini for its official debut on the calendar of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. Overlooking the Duomo cathedral at the heart of the fashion capital, the venue — an enduring symbol of Milanese elegance since 1958 — was chosen for its iconic position in the city and its direct connection to its cultural energy, creating a powerful contrast between historic architecture and the modern, rebellious spirit of the collection. This event was more than just a presentation of new garments; it represented the brand's formal entry into the global heart of Italian fashion.

The Arrival of a New Vision

While many labels focus on temporary trends, Tell The Truth used its Milan debut to establish a clear, long-term identity. The collection, titled "Raven," served as the perfect introduction. High above the city streets, the show combined the raw energy of urban culture with the meticulous standards of high-end craftsmanship. This balance is central to Womack's approach, moving luxury streetwear into a more mature and thoughtful space.

A Journey Built on Authenticity

Originally from New Orleans, Womack moved to Los Angeles to build his vision from the ground up. Without a formal background in design, he established his brand in 2021 by teaching himself the technical aspects of the craft. His story is one of grit: moving to LA with no established connections, navigating the production world of Downtown Los Angeles, and slowly turning a creative idea into a full "cut-and-sew" luxury house. After multiple seasons at New York Fashion Week, consecutive showcases at London Fashion Week, and a landmark runway presentation at Berlin Fashion Week, Tell The Truth has now taken its place on the official calendar of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. Womack often mentions the influence of figures like Virgil Abloh and the aesthetic of Fear of God, but he has developed a specific signature that blends underground rebellion with refined Italian production.

Collection Highlights: Raven

The Raven collection is centered on craftsmanship and material contrast, with every piece produced in Italy. The name itself was chosen with precision: throughout history the raven has symbolized intelligence, power, mystery, and transformation — themes that align closely with the spirit of the brand and the moment Tell The Truth is entering. The collection reflects a darker, more refined evolution while still staying true to the brand's identity of honesty, boldness, and strength.

The collection explores strong tailoring and sculptural silhouettes using premium fabrics: structured wool for pleated chinos and tailored jackets, fine silk for shirts, and vegan leather for outerwear pieces and select accessories. Matte finishes and heavy, tactile surfaces give each piece a sense of physical presence and durability. Outerwear remains the focal category, with elongated sleeves and knitwear details that prioritize comfort without losing a polished edge. Footwear and bags are also made in Italy, developed with a focus on durability and refined construction. The intention behind every garment is to balance classic tailoring with a darker, modern edge that reflects the DNA of Tell The Truth.

"RAVEN represents a moment of elevation for Tell The Truth. The collection is about strength, clarity, and fearlessness. The raven is a symbol of intelligence and transformation, and that's exactly where the brand is heading. Presenting this collection in Milan was about showing the world that a new house is emerging with a clear vision and the confidence to stand alongside the most established names in fashion." — Rainy Womack

The Show

The Milan debut of Raven was brought to life through a curated network of partners, each contributing expertise at the highest level of their craft.

Atelier Clique | Experiential Partner Atelier Clique created immersive guest touchpoints through bespoke branded Polaroids and refined activations, transforming fleeting runway moments into tangible, lasting impressions.

Kai Maison | Gastronomic Alchemy As the official culinary partner, Kai Maison delivered a bespoke menu that blended rare ingredients with avant-garde presentation, echoing the craftsmanship of the collection itself.

Revlon | Hair Artistry (Coordinated by Studio RE) Global beauty authority Revlon defined the structural hair direction for the show, executed with architectural precision and editorial clarity.

BB Skill | Master Beauty Direction (Coordinated by Studio RE) BB Skill led the high-definition makeup direction, crafting a beauty narrative rooted in contrast and controlled intensity, amplifying the collection's exploration of truth, strength, and refinement.

New York Makeup Academy | Global Editorial Expertise Bringing international runway and editorial experience to Milan, the New York Makeup Academy delivered technical mastery and creative sophistication essential to a debut of this magnitude.

BINADI | Fine Jewelry BINADI illuminated the collection with meticulously crafted fine jewelry pieces, underscoring the brand's commitment to luxury, material excellence, and elevated detail.

Collectivv | Strategic Synergy As a key sponsor, Collectivv supported the brand's continued global ascent by fostering creative connectivity and cross-industry collaboration.

European Bartender School | The Art of the Toast The evening's beverage experience was curated by the European Bartender School, with signature Martini cocktails and refined mocktails served against the Milan skyline, embodying authentic Milanese hospitality.

A Strategic Milestone

For emerging entrepreneurs and brands, this debut is a practical example of how to enter a crowded market. By choosing a historic venue and focusing on high-level visual storytelling, Tell The Truth successfully moved from an independent label to a recognized participant in the official Milan schedule. The brand proved that a clear message and high production standards are the most effective ways to reach an international audience.

The debut of Tell The Truth in Milan signals a shift toward fashion that is authentic, well-constructed, and ready for the global stage. The Raven collection is available at tellthetruth.shop.

Yes Brand Milano: A Fashion Show Opening the Milan Fashion Week Season

On February 22, 2026, the elegant spaces of the Hotel Meliá in Milan's emerging creative district became the stage for one of the most eclectic and thought-provoking independent fashion events of the season, held alongside the Milan fashion week calendar. Yes Brand Milano (@yesbrandmilano) — the multi-designer format produced by Bros Group Italia (@brosgroupitalia) and directed by Avv. Monica Mastrantonio — once again proved that fashion can be a platform for genuine artistic dialogue. The event was held under the patronage of Assomoda (@assomoda_federazione), the prestigious Italian federation representing agents and distributors in clothing, footwear, leather goods, accessories, and sportswear.

Five designers. Five distinct universes. All united by the ambition to say something real on the runway.

Martins Pupols — Volume, Femininity, and the Body Today

The show opened with Latvian designer Martins Pupols (@pupols_martins), trained at the prestigious Istituto Marangoni in Milan. His collection was a study in contrasts: bold volumes and eccentric silhouettes in conversation with the idea of celebrating the female body as it is today. Far from conventional proportions, Pupols invites women to inhabit their clothes fully — and unapologetically.

Benheart — The Soul of Tuscan Leather

Florence-based label Benheart (@benheartitaly) brought to the runway what it does best: leather worked through generations-old Tuscan artisanal traditions. Founded by Hicham Ben Mbarek — whose remarkable life story, including a heart transplant at 26, is woven into every stitch — Benheart is a living manifesto of Made in Italy at its most authentic. Each piece is handcrafted by master artisans using premium Tuscan leather, vegetable-tanned and finished by hand. Seeing these garments move on the runway was a reminder that true luxury is not about logo, but about lasting craft.

West Rose — Workwear Meets the Runway

Perhaps the most boundary-breaking moment of the evening came from West Rose (@westrose_abitidalavoro), the label founded by sisters Claudia and Tiziana Rubioglio from Orbassano (Turin). Boldly and for the first time in Italy, they placed professional workwear — uniforms for aestheticians, dentists, hair stylists, nurses — side by side with traditional fashion. The question they posed was direct: is workwear a world apart, or a powerful source of style inspiration? Their answer, delivered through polished and thoughtful design, leaned firmly toward the latter.

Gianluca Migliorino — Light, Darkness, and Ritual

Designer Gianluca Migliorino (@gianlucamigliorino) delivered the most theatrical and conceptually dense collection of the night. Working with darkness and religious iconography, he reversed the conventional relationship between spectator and garment: it was the audience who held the light, illuminating the clothes from the shadows. Themes of birth, sacred ritual, and the inversion of roles charged each look with a tension that lingered long after the models left the runway.

Maylin by Maylin Aguirre — Making Every Woman Feel Like a Queen

The evening closed with Maylin, the brand of designer Maylin Aguirre (@maylin_official_brand), whose philosophy is warmly and clearly stated: make every woman feel at ease, powerful, and regal. Her collection delivered on that promise through voluminous, eccentric silhouettes and a distinctive elegance that felt joyful rather than imposing. These are clothes built for women who refuse to disappear in a room.

Yes Brand Milano continues to carve out a unique space in the Milan Fashion Week calendar — not as a satellite event, but as a genuine showcase for the range and vitality of contemporary design. The next edition is already in preparation. Yes Brand Milano is also a fashion TV programme, broadcast in collaboration with Bom Channel 68.

Behind the scenes, two figures define the soul of Yes Brand Milano. Avv. Monica Mastrantonio (@monique_mastrantonio_) is the Director of Runway Shows — and one of the most distinctive profiles in the Italian fashion world. A practising lawyer specialising in Fashion Law, she brings to each edition a rare combination: legal rigour, creative vision, and an innate feel for aesthetics. She coordinates designers, models, set designers, and partner companies with the same precision she applies in a courtroom — and the same passion she reserves for fashion. It was her determination and her eye for detail that shaped this edition from the first sketch to the final bow. Her personal motto, "Never give up — you can do it," is not just a phrase. It shows. The production is signed by Bros Group Italia (@brosgroupitalia), whose co-founder Tiziano Cavaliere (@tiziano_cavaliere) is also a bass player, singer and producer — and a finalist of The Voice Senior on Rai 1, in Nek's team. Article and Photographs by Ian Art Photo (@ian.art.photo) with Adriana Tarabella (@adriana.tarabella)