Many brands opt out of Milan men's runway shows this year

MILAN (AP) - The Milan Fashion Week men's calendar is full of holes. Zegna, Calvin Klein, Cavalli, Costume National, Ermanno Scervino and Bottega Veneta are among the fashion houses that have opted not to do runway shows in June.

Carlo Capasa, head of the National Chamber of Italian Fashion, said Tuesday that fashion brands are experimenting with their strategy and using menswear to do it.

Capasa said he expects the shifts to presentations instead of runway shows will "give energy to fashion week" because "we are questioning ourselves."

Brands like Zegna and Calvin Klein have opted for a runway break while they change designers. Costume National has a new owner. Bottega Veneta is preparing for a combined menswear and womenswear show in September for its 50th anniversary, while Brioni is showing in Paris.