Remembering a Legend

Stars including Cate Blanchett, Glenn Close, and Richard Gere gathered to witness the launch of Giorgio Armani's Spring/Summer 2026 collection in Milan on September 28, 2025, marking the last collection the designer worked on before his death. Originally planned as a celebration of his 50-year career, the show evolved into a poignant tribute to his legacy after he passed at 91 earlier this month.

The Unveiling at the Pinacoteca di Brera

The event was hosted at the art gallery Pinacoteca di Brera, which currently showcases more than 120 of Armani's designs. Familiar faces of fashion returned to the runway, modeling an array of both classic suits and brilliant evening gowns. The celebration of his creations resonated through the vibrant runway that expressed iconic styles intertwined with emotional sentiment.

A Touch of Nature

The collection drew inspiration from the elegance of northern Italy and the volcanic beauty of Pantelleria, where Armani spent his summers. Models showcased subtle shades of nature—neutrals, greens, blues, and purples—in a visual narrative evoking elements of earth and sea. A striking blue gown, adorned with an image of Armani's face, drew a standing ovation from the audience of 700 guests.

Voices of Remembrance

As the atmosphere brimmed with nostalgia, Blanchett shared her reflections, remarking on the emotional significance of the evening, noting, This moment, this atmosphere speaks for itself. There's a lot of memories here tonight. Meanwhile, the show concluded with a reverent bow from Armani's niece Silvana and his close collaborator Leo Dell'Orco.

A Fitting Finale with Live Music

Acclaimed composer Ludovico Einaudi provided live piano music that filled the air, adding another layer of depth to the memorial fashion show. Among the attendees was outgoing Vogue editor Anna Wintour, an influential figure within the fashion domain.

Star Power at Milan

Simultaneously, across town, Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci were spotted at the Dolce & Gabbana show, adding to the star-studded ambiance of the Milan Fashion Week, which draws fashion enthusiasts and prominent figures from the cinematic world.