A painter’s palette is far more than a practical tool. In many ways, the colors an artist chooses act as an intimate reflection of their desires, their struggles, and their experiences. Like the art itself, a palette is defined by an infinite number of factors that have acted on the artist before they ever lifted a paintbrush.

Though not a painter, this was very much the case for Canali’s creative director Alessio Lillocci. For his first full collection at the luxury Italian tailoring house, Lillocci’s Italian heritage led him to a particular piece of his homeland’s history: the spice trade. More specifically, the movement of spices across international routes, from South Asia to East Africa to the Mediterranean. This movement of spice, and the melding of cultures that it bred, was the spark for Canali’s SS27 palette.

The collection features warm browns of cinnamon and nutmeg, the greens of cardamom and Asian jungles, and the light beiges of an Italian sailor’s wardrobe. Deep blue denim, evoking the Mediterranean seas, is layered with clean white linens suited for an evening outing in Santorini.

For each location examined in the collection, fabrics are tweaked to suit the local climate. Similar to the attire explorers may have worn as they traversed the Indonesian islands, allowing them to adapt quickly to changing temperatures, models also appear in layered looks. Sophisticated knitwear, a major centerpiece for the collection, is spun with Canali’s new signature Nuvola cotton.

As the spice route enters East Africa, the fabrics get much lighter. Cottons are replaced with linens, and the denims are accented with deep indigo. From Africa to Greece, another transformation takes place, with blues taking over from a largely brown and green selection.

The collection’s footwear also fits the maritime travel theme. Many of the featured shoes incorporate reimagined silhouettes of typical boat shoes, espadrilles, and loafers. The footwear is manufactured with soft leathers, emphasizing comfort while retaining the form necessary for functionality.

Canali’s SS27 collection features their signature elegant, minimalist looks. But the order in which looks appear serves a narrative journey, a voyage through fabric and color. Stepping into Lillocci’s Canali is a journey in and of itself, and it begins with this trip on the spice route.