Stars including Cate Blanchett, Glenn Close, and Richard Gere attended the final Giorgio Armani fashion show for the Spring/Summer 2026 collection in Milan, held on Sunday, which became a touching tribute following the designer's passing.
The event, originally meant to celebrate 50 years of Armani's fashion house, transformed into a memorial to honor him after he passed away at the age of 91 earlier this month.
Hosted at the renowned Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery, the venue displayed over 120 of Armani's creations. Models, including those who graced his catwalk over the last five decades, showcased a variety of classic suits and dazzling dresses.
Attendees wore designs inspired by the northern Italian landscape and the Mediterranean island of Pantelleria, where Armani had a holiday home. Neutrals, greens, blues, and purples on the runway echoed themes of light, earth, and sea.
Paper lanterns were draped throughout the courtyard, reminiscent of a public viewing for Armani that took place earlier. Live piano music from composer Ludovico Einaudi added to the emotional atmosphere of the night.
Cate Blanchett remarked, 'This moment, this atmosphere speaks for itself. There's a lot of memories here tonight.' Reflecting on Armani's impact, she described him as a 'deeply human, talented individual.'
The show concluded with a show-stopping blue glittering gown, featuring an image of Armani's face, worn by one of his favorite models, Agnese Zogla. This moment earned a standing ovation from the 700 guests present.
The final show of Giorgio Armani encapsulated both the end of an era and the timelessness of a designer who revolutionized the world of fashion—from the glimmering garments down to the emotional resonance felt throughout the event.
After the runway show, attendees visited the exhibition 'Giorgio Armani: Milano, Per Amore,' celebrating his contributions to fashion. Richard Gere's iconic suit from 'American Gigolo' was among the classic outfits displayed amid Italian masterpieces.
Alongside attending stars, outgoing Vogue editor Anna Wintour also graced the occasion, officially closing Milan Fashion Week with an unforgettable tribute to a legendary figure in fashion.
