This January, the frozen lake of St. Moritz once again became the stage for one of the most anticipated gatherings in the collector car calendar. The I.C.E. St. Moritz, the International Concours of Elégance, brought together rare historic vehicles, contemporary design and mechanical excellence in a setting that was as visually striking as it was technically demanding. For the third consecutive year, Loro Piana returned as an official partner, reinforcing a relationship with the world of classic cars that is deeply rooted in the Maison’s history.
While the event itself celebrated automotive beauty and innovation, Loro Piana’s presence spoke to something more enduring: the dialogue between movement, performance and elegance that has shaped many of its most recognisable Icons. For decades, the House has maintained an authentic connection to classic car culture, formalised in 1987 with the founding of the Loro Piana Classic Cars Team. Comprising collectors, enthusiasts, and seasoned drivers, the team went on to compete in some of the most prestigious endurance races and regularity rallies worldwide, including the Mille Miglia and the Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti. These competitions were not only about victory, though the team would go on to achieve more than 200 overall wins and over 500 class placements but also served as an open-air laboratory for innovation.
It was within this environment that one of the Maison’s most enduring Icons was conceived. Introduced in 2004 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on Lake Como, the Roadster jacket was designed specifically for driving.
Lightweight yet protective, warm yet breathable, its sleek silhouette allows freedom of movement behind the wheel without compromising refinement. Details such as a suede key ring, a dedicated pocket for sunglasses and a double back vent were integrated with precision, balancing practicality with discreet luxury. The Roadster quickly evolved beyond its original purpose to become a signature garment for both competitive drivers and devoted collectors.
Today, the Roadster stands as an emblem of Loro Piana’s approach to design, where form is always guided by function and usefulness is considered inseparable from beauty. Like the Maison’s wider range of Icons, it reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, performance and versatility. Inspired by pursuits such as sailing, skiing, horseback riding and motoring, these pieces were initially developed to meet the demands of specific activities before evolving into timeless staples suited to everyday wear.
For The I.C.E. St. Moritz 2026, Loro Piana created an exclusive capsule collection centred around this legacy. The offering included a Roadster jacket in Cash Herringbone Coarsehair Storm System® for men and the Roadster Mini Field jacket in Cash Cheviot Coarsehair Storm System® for women. Complementary pieces such as the Roadster Halfzip knit in cashmere, plongé leather driving gloves and a cashmere and silk foulard printed with automotive-inspired motifs extended the collection’s motoring narrative.
Elsewhere on site, a 1923 Bugatti Type 23 Brescia, displayed outside the Maison’s lounge, offered a tangible link between past and present. The car, which received the Chairman Award at Pebble Beach in 2011, once competed under the Loro Piana Classic Cars Team, embodying the shared values of precision, endurance and aesthetic harmony that unite both worlds.
