Ren Meguro Heads to Milan Fashion Week with Fendi Spotlight
As fashion week season gathers momentum across Europe, all eyes are turning to Milan, where the world’s leading designers are set to unveil their latest collections. Among the high-profile appearances, Japanese star Ren Meguro has captured attention with his stylish airport departure look, showcasing a playful balance of everyday charm and luxury. The actor, singer, and fashion figure is en route to Milan for the unveiling of Fendi’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, scheduled for September 24 at 14:00 local time.
A Rising Star Steps Into the Global Fashion Scene
Ren Meguro, known primarily as a member of the successful group Snow Man, has steadily expanded his role beyond music and acting, becoming a prominent figure in international fashion circles. His presence at Milan Fashion Week signals not only his individual rise in global recognition but also the increasing influence of Japanese entertainers in bridging cultural and creative exchanges between East Asia and Europe.
Upon departing for Milan, Meguro carried a Fendi Flux bag, a central accessory of his look. He drew attention to the practicality of the design, describing how easy it was to use while highlighting its distinctive charm embellishments. The bag, decorated with playful attachments such as a squirrel and a dumpling charm, underscored the merging of luxury aesthetics with elements of whimsy. The accessories stood out as a commentary on the evolution of high fashion, where individuality and fun have increasingly become part of the conversation.
The Significance of Milan Fashion Week
Milan Fashion Week remains one of the “big four” fashion weeks alongside New York, London, and Paris. With runway shows that set the tone for global trends, Milan serves as a playground for luxury designers who define the industry each season. Brands like Fendi, Prada, Gucci, and Versace often use the platform to experiment with shapes, fabrics, and themes that ripple across the fashion world for years to come.
The timing of Meguro’s attendance also highlights an important shift in how fashion houses approach cross-market appeal. Japanese culture and entertainment have seen rising influence in the international space, with collaborations between Asian celebrities and European luxury brands becoming increasingly common. For Milan, and especially for Fendi, having a figure like Meguro seated among attendees represents both prestige and an opportunity to connect with a younger, global audience.
Fendi SS26: Anticipation Builds
The Fendi Spring/Summer 2026 collection will be revealed on September 24. Known for blending tradition with avant-garde design, Fendi collections often emphasize meticulous craftsmanship while nodding to contemporary lifestyles. Fans and fashion critics alike are anticipating the unveiling, with much speculation about which themes will dominate the runway this season.
The runway debut is expected to carry forward the house’s celebrated focus on accessories. Bags in particular remain one of Fendi’s strongest categories, and the Flux bag highlighted by Meguro could serve as a subplot to the presentation. By showcasing it ahead of the show, the brand has amplified interest and fueled speculation that the bag or its variations may be part of a central theme running through the collection.
A Cultural Exchange Through Fashion
Meguro’s playful display of accessories, including the squirrel and dumpling charms, has sparked conversations online. Social media comments quickly emerged, with many noting the juxtaposition between traditional luxury branding and elements that recall cultural familiarity and lightheartedness. Such creativity speaks to broader fashion trends where youth culture, personal storytelling, and luxury coexist.
This cultural dialogue is not accidental. For decades, Japanese streetwear and fashion sensibilities have influenced international brands, from the experimentalism of the 1990s Harajuku scene to the minimalist aesthetics of Uniqlo and Issey Miyake. Today, Japanese entertainers like Meguro embody that legacy by carrying cultural references into global fashion spaces while connecting authentically with their home audiences.
The Historical Role of Celebrities at Fashion Week
The presence of celebrities at fashion week is far from new. From Hollywood stars occupying the front rows of Parisian runways to K-pop idols steering attention toward new collections in Seoul, celebrity visibility has become integral to the fashion cycle. Guests like Meguro play a dual role: they attract attention from fans while also validating a brand’s contemporary relevance.
Historically, Fendi has invested in cultivating these connections. Over the last decade, figures from cinema, music, and sports have often appeared on the guest list, creating a dynamic mix of global personalities. As digital media reshapes how fashion week is consumed, the role of such appearances has expanded. A quick photograph from the airport, such as Meguro’s display of his Flux bag, can ripple across fan communities and fashion platforms worldwide within minutes.
Economic Impact of Fashion Weeks
Beyond the glamour, fashion weeks hold immense economic significance. According to industry reports, Milan Fashion Week generates millions of euros in direct revenue for the city, stemming from tourism, hospitality, retail activations, and media spending. Hotels often reach capacity, restaurants flock with international visitors, and local transport systems experience surges in demand during the week-long events.
The city itself benefits from the global exposure, positioning Milan not only as Italy’s fashion capital but also as a hub of culture and creativity. Comparisons with Paris reveal how both cities use fashion weeks not only for industry momentum but also for cultural branding. Paris maintains its reputation as a bastion of haute couture, while Milan has carved its image around luxury ready-to-wear and bold statement collections.
This year’s edition is expected to draw significant spending from Asian markets in particular. Visitors and digital engagement stemming from countries like Japan, South Korea, and China are expected to contribute to both immediate sales and long-term brand equity.
The Broader Role of Accessories in Global Fashion
Meguro’s focus on the Fendi Flux bag shines light on the broader role of accessories in shaping consumer engagement. In recent years, handbags, shoes, and jewelry have become the most profitable categories for luxury houses, often surpassing clothing in revenue. Accessories are easier for a broader consumer base to purchase, while still offering a tangible connection to the brand’s identity.
With its playful charms, the Flux bag illustrates how brands are tapping into emotions as much as aesthetics. A dumpling charm evokes comfort and familiarity, while the squirrel provides a whimsical image of playfulness. The tactic reflects luxury’s turn toward personalization, allowing consumers to feel that even in a crowded market, their chosen item can express something uniquely their own.
Public Reaction and Global Fan Engagement
Meguro’s departure outfit has generated robust engagement from fans, both online and on the ground. Airport fashion has long been a subculture within the broader fashion ecosystem, with fans analyzing celebrity travel attire almost as carefully as runway looks. In this regard, his charming display has become a soft introduction to the aesthetics likely to unfold at Fendi’s show.
International observers have also noted how his fashion choices align with the rising prominence of Asian celebrities in shaping luxury trends. K-pop stars like BTS’s J-Hope or Blackpink members have previously catalyzed fashion collaborations, leading to record sellouts of products. Meguro’s growing role with European brands suggests he may follow a similar trajectory, where celebrity visibility drives both market engagement and creative exploration.
A Look Ahead in Milan
As Ren Meguro touches down in Milan, anticipation continues to build for Fendi’s unveiling of its Spring/Summer 2026 line. Beyond the runway, this week’s event serves as a confluence of creativity, commerce, and culture. The playful details of Meguro’s travel look, paired with the significance of the Flux bag, have already set the tone for discussions among fans and analysts alike.
For Milan, Fashion Week represents more than just clothing; it is a global stage where identity, craftsmanship, and imagination meet. And for Ren Meguro, it marks another significant step in an expanding career that seamlessly blends Japanese artistry with international recognition.
When the lights rise inside the venue on September 24, the presentation of Fendi’s SS26 collection will not only reveal the brand’s vision for the coming season but will also reflect the broader journey of fashion as a universal language—one that connects cultures, celebrates individuality, and shapes the way the world dresses.