Milan buzzed with excitement as Hollywood’s elite, including Cate Blanchett and Glenn Close, graced the front row of Giorgio Armani’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection. This show marked a poignant moment, being the final collection personally curated by the iconic Italian designer before his passing.
Initially planned as a celebration of the fashion house’s 50-year milestone, the event transformed into a heartfelt tribute to Armani, who recently passed away at 91. The prestigious Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery provided a stunning backdrop, showcasing over 120 of his timeless creations.
Adding to the emotional atmosphere, models who had graced Armani’s runways over the past five decades returned to the stage, presenting a captivating mix of his signature sharp suits and dazzling evening wear. The collection’s palette, featuring neutrals, greens, blues, and purples, was inspired by Milan and Armani’s beloved holiday home on the island of Pantelleria, reflecting the light, earth, and sea.
The show concluded with a standing ovation as model Agnese Zogla walked the runway in a gown subtly featuring an image of Armani’s face. “This moment, this atmosphere speaks for itself. There’s a lot of memories here tonight,” Blanchett shared, reflecting on Armani’s profound impact. She further described him as a “deeply human, talented individual.” The event was further graced by figures like Richard Gere and Lauren Hutton, who starred in the iconic film ‘American Gigolo’, and filmmakers Samuel L Jackson, James Norton, Toni Servillo, Zhang Ziyi, and Spike Lee, all paying their respects to the master couturier.
The late designer’s niece, Silvana Armani, and his long-time partner and collaborator Leo Dell’Orco, accepted the final bow, symbolizing the closing of one chapter and the beginning of new legacies.