Stefano Ricci's Explorer: Tuscan elegance, Patagonian adventure, and global strategies

 FLORENCE -- The Florentine fashion house Stefano Ricci presented its new Explorer Fall/Winter 2026-27 collection at the Niccolini theater in Florence. This marked the eighth stage of a journey that unites high tailoring, adventure, and environmental responsibility. The inspiration stems from the gauchos of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego—figures symbolizing freedom and resilience—who guided the photographic expedition through Chilean glaciers, fjords, and steppes. The collection translates this imagery into luxury garments: black tuxedos using fabrics from the Antico Setificio Fiorentino, evoked by the sleek coats of the penguins on Magdalena Island; snow-white parkas and moleskin trousers, designed for an elegance that dialogues with extreme nature. Creative director Filippo Ricci emphasized how every element is the result of a cultural and environmental journey, enriched by a collaboration with the Fundación Científica Acción Fauna, which is committed to protecting Chilean pumas.

In parallel with the fashion show, Florence hosted the “Explorer Symposium” in the Salone dei Cinquecento at Palazzo Vecchio on November 18, 2025. The meeting, aimed at students, focused on climate change, sustainability, and intercultural dialogue, featuring participation from institutions such as the National Geographic Society and The Explorers Club, as well as internationally renowned photographers and storytellers.

On the economic front, the company confirms its solidity: a consolidated turnover of 233 million Euros in 2024, a 10 percent increase over the previous year, with approximately 800 employees and a largely internal production chain. In November 2025, Stefano Ricci secured a 30 million euro financing deal from Intesa Sanpaolo to support international expansion.

Priority markets include the United States, China, and the Asia-Pacific region, where the lifestyle segment is experiencing strong expansion. New boutique openings are planned for Washington D.C., Scottsdale, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Mexico City, and India, in addition to third-party managed points of sale in Ho Chi Minh City and Almaty. In Italy, a new boutique opening is expected in Rome, on Via Bocca di Leone, reinforcing the national presence alongside the historic Florentine headquarters and the Milanese spaces.

The brand, founded in 1972, has expanded its universe beyond clothing, encompassing leather goods, men’s jewelry, silverware, interior design, and luxury hospitality. With Explorer, Stefano Ricci reaffirms its identity as a company that looks beyond the runway: uniting Tuscan craftsmanship, geographical exploration, and ethical commitment, the collection becomes a manifesto of a conscious elegance, capable of transforming travel into a bridge between cultures and generations. Stefano’s sons, Filippo and Niccolò, continue their father's path with dedication and innovation, while always remaining true to the track of artisanal quality inherent in Florentine tradition.