On 28 September 2025, Milan Fashion Week was marked by a moment of profound emotion and reverence. The legendary designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away earlier in the month at the age of 91, personally presented his final collection, closing a 50-year chapter of invaluable contributions to global fashion. The event, originally planned to celebrate the brand’s golden jubilee, became a posthumous tribute to the fashion icon.
The final show: a celebration of timeless elegance
The show took place in the courtyard of the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Milan’s most prestigious museums, which also launched an exhibition dedicated to Armani’s legacy. Titled “Pantelleria, Milan”, the Spring/Summer 2026 collection reflected the designer’s Mediterranean roots, featuring pieces in shades of grey, deep blue, and green, with fluid fabrics and soft cuts characteristic of his minimalist and sophisticated style.
The presentation was accompanied by a live performance from Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi, creating an introspective and moving atmosphere. Models who had defined Armani’s career walked the runway, including Agnese Zogla, who closed the show in a blue dress, followed by Silvana Armani, the designer’s niece, and Leo Dell’Orco, his partner, all receiving heartfelt applause from the audience.
A farewell with meaning
The event was attended by celebrities such as Richard Gere, Cate Blanchett, and Spike Lee, alongside long-time friends and collaborators, who paid tribute to Armani’s legacy. The show not only celebrated his career but also symbolised the continuation of his aesthetic and philosophical vision, passed on to the next generation. The Armani brand will now be managed by his family and partner, as outlined in his will.
The legacy of Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani leaves an indelible mark on fashion, renowned for his approach of “silent luxury,” which emphasises quality, simplicity, and understated elegance. His influence transcended the runway, impacting cinema, popular culture, and the global perception of Italian style. His final collection in Milan was not merely a fashion show, but a celebration of a life devoted to the art of dressing with dignity and beauty.
