The Resurgence of the "Mob Husband" Aesthetic in Men’s Fashion
Last year, TikTok erupted with the ‘mob wife’ aesthetic, captivating Gen Z and millennial women alike. This trend featured a conspicuous blend of vintage elegance and ostentatious glamour, encapsulated in faux-fur coats, gaudy jewelry, and oversized dark glasses. However, the influence of this striking style has made a bold transition from women to men’s fashion, showcasing an enticing revival of the “mob husband” aesthetic that reigned on the runways during Milan Men’s Fashion Week.
A Cinematic Influence
Drawing inspiration from iconic films such as The Godfather and The Sopranos, Milan Men’s Fashion Week heralded an era of extravagant glamour. This resurgence can be traced back to Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton 2024/25 collection, which featured floor-length dusters that echoed the luxury of gangster chic. High-end fashion houses like Emporio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada quickly followed suit, infusing their collections with rich fabrics like fur and velvet, as well as classic designs like pinstriped suits.
Dolce & Gabbana: Paparazzi and Glamour
Dolce & Gabbana ignited the fashion weekend with their eye-catching collection named ‘Paparazzi’. The term ‘paparazzo’ was coined by Federico Fellini, who named a hyperactive photographer in his 1960 film La Dolce Vita. The designers paid tribute to this cinematic legacy by presenting a runway show enveloped in a buzz of impeccably dressed ‘paparazzi’, illustrating the fusion of celebrity culture into high fashion.
Their collection diverged from the tailored looks of recent seasons, embracing the Sixties flair exemplified by La Dolce Vita. Daywear featured casual utility with flashes of glam—voluminous faux-furs and plush trims captured an old-world grandeur while transitioning smoothly into elegant tuxedos and silk shirts. Such versatility hints at a blend of playfulness and sophistication, suggesting that modern men can navigate between casual and formal with ease.
Emporio Armani: Chic and Moody
As the grand finale of Milan’s Saturday night, Emporio Armani presented a remarkable 111-look collection characterized by its chic and moody aesthetic. Beginning with a skiwear section that seamlessly integrated technical gear, organic dyes, and patchwork designs, the show transitioned into a realm of metallic tailoring and razor-sharp pinstripes.
The collection showcased a notable evolution in menswear, with elements like lurex ribbed knits and leopard-print loafers emerging as key features in the ‘mob husband’ look. Styles such as undone ties morphing into skinny scarves and daring cheetah-printed trench coats blurred traditional tailoring boundaries, reflecting a more fluid approach to men’s fashion. The mix of rich velvets and glimmering embellishments conjured an ambiance reminiscent of vintage jazz bars, engaging the audience in a captivating experience.
Prada: The Play of Duality
Culminating the week was Prada’s show, a stunning exhibition that presented duality and contrast through its set design and clothing choices. The show’s scaffolding created an open yet claustrophobic atmosphere, setting the stage for an eclectic blend of pyjama-style trousers paired with crewneck knits, juxtaposed against Seventies-inspired florals and crumpled silks.
Co-creative director Raf Simons expressed a desire to avoid limitations, which resonated in the contrasting aesthetics featured throughout the collection. The incorporation of gaudy fur trims against relaxed cotton bottoms encapsulated a modern interpretation of ‘mob husband’ attire, perfectly seating itself into the current narrative that celebrates both comfort and elegance in menswear.
Trends and Fabric Forefront
What emerged prominently throughout Milan’s fashion scene were common themes: animal accents, lavish fabrics, and fluid silhouettes. These elements cohesively define the refreshingly modern "mob look". Designers like Ralph Lauren introduced cashmere and wool-heavy collections that emphasized softness and warmth, while brands like Armani and Prada ventured into faux-fur and cow prints. As we gaze ahead to the 2025 autumn/winter season, the intersection of comfort, opulence, and an animalistic flair appears to dominate the menswear conversation, leaving us eager to see how these trends evolve.
With a fusion of playful nostalgia and contemporary thinking, the "mob husband" aesthetic is more than a fleeting trend; it encapsulates a broader cultural movement that values both personal expression and timeless sophistication in men’s fashion.