A warm Brazilian breeze, the poetry of memory, and a refined vision of contemporary menswear come together in “He Loves Me,” the sixth creative chapter from KODAY. Presented during Milan Fashion Week Men’s Spring/Summer 2027 on June 22, 2026, the collection debuted at Fondazione Sozzani as part of the official calendar of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, reaffirming the independent label’s thoughtful approach to design and storytelling.
Founded by Alex Léal, KODAY continues to shape a distinctive language rooted in craftsmanship, cultural memory, and responsible production. The brand’s name originates from a Cape Verdean Creole expression meaning “my little one,” reflecting an enduring sense of care and emotional connection that extends throughout each collection. Working with a Portuguese atelier, KODAY produces limited-edition ready-to-wear garments using carefully sourced reclaimed materials from European supply chains, embracing longevity as an essential part of contemporary luxury.
For Spring/Summer 2027, Léal turns his gaze toward Brazil, drawing inspiration from the evocative photography of Pierre Verger, whose celebrated images of Salvador de Bahia during the 1950s and 1960s captured the city’s Afro-Brazilian heritage, vibrant street life, coastal atmosphere, and effortless elegance. Rather than recreating the past, the collection translates that spirit into a modern wardrobe infused with optimism, freedom, and emotional authenticity.
The designer’s own research journey through Brazil also shapes the collection’s visual identity. A luminous color palette reflects glowing sunsets, tropical landscapes, ocean blues, and richly saturated hues that echo the country’s warmth and vitality. The result is a wardrobe that feels immersed in endless summer while maintaining a sophisticated sense of restraint.
Silhouettes balance architectural precision with fluid movement. Boxy tailoring coexists with softer constructions, while subtly flared trousers, lightweight fabrics, and semi-sheer materials introduce depth and motion. The interplay between structure and ease creates garments that feel polished without rigidity, expressing a quiet confidence that defines KODAY’s evolving vision of contemporary menswear.
Vintage influences from the 1960s and 1970s remain an important foundation, yet they are filtered through Léal’s personal experiences growing up between Paris, Portugal, Brazil, and Cape Verde. Those multicultural references emerge organically throughout the collection, transforming childhood memories, travel, and cultural encounters into garments that celebrate identity through craftsmanship rather than nostalgia.
“He Loves Me” also continues KODAY’s ongoing exploration of masculinity as an open, evolving expression shaped by vulnerability, belonging, and genuine human connection. Instead of relying on traditional conventions, the collection presents elegance as something deeply personal, where softness and confidence naturally coexist.
The brand’s continued growth has been supported by AFRO Fashion Association, the global nonprofit organization founded by Michelle Francine Ngonmo, which champions inclusion, representation, and professional development for emerging African and BIPOC creatives across the fashion and cultural industries. Through mentorship, education, and international networking, the organization has become an important platform for expanding opportunities within the creative sector.
Presented in one of Milan Fashion Week Men’s key venues dedicated to emerging talent, KODAY’s latest chapter demonstrates how thoughtful design can bridge heritage, sustainability, and modern luxury.
