Star-studded front row for Armani's final collection in Milan
Milan_ Italy - Hollywood's elite_ including Glenn Close_ Richard Gere and Cate Blanchett_ attended the Giorgio Armani show in Milan on Sunday evening. It was the final collection the Italian designer worked on before his passing.
Originally intended to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Armani fashion house_ the show became a final tribute to the Italian icon_ who passed away on September 4 at the age of 91. The event was held at the Pinacoteca di Brera. This prestigious art gallery is where more than 120 of his creations are on display as part of an anniversary exhibition that opened this week.
Paper lanterns were arranged in the courtyard_ reminiscent of those at the chapel of rest where the public paid their final respects earlier this month. The models walked beneath the historic portico. "This moment_ this atmosphere speaks for itself; there are many memories here tonight_" actress Cate Blanchett told AFP.
The collection draws inspiration from two of Armani's most significant places: Milan_ where he lived opposite the Pinacoteca; and the tiny_ remote Italian volcanic island of Pantelleria_ between Sicily and Tunisia_ where he had a holiday home.
It combines classic suits and sparkling red-carpet gowns in neutral_ green_ blue and purple tones_ evoking light_ earth and sea.
"Everything seems fluid_ light_ as if ready to yield to the island's winds_" the brand explained in the show notes. The group enlisted models who had walked for the designer over the past five decades_ described as “embodiments of his idea of womanhood”.
End of an era
The show was followed by a tour of the exhibition_ where the designer's iconic outfits were placed among masterpieces of Italian art.
Among them was the suit worn by Richard Gere in “American Gigolo”_ a film that helped launch both the actor and Armani to fame. His on-screen partner_ Lauren Hutton_ was also present at the show. Actors Samuel L. Jackson_ James Norton_ Toni Servillo and Zhang Ziyi were also in attendance_ as was director Spike Lee_ who described Armani to AFP as a “Renaissance man”.
Guests_ who were asked to wear evening attire_ received a white T-shirt featuring Armani's likeness with their invitation. The final piece of the show_ a long_ shimmering deep-blue gown_ also featured the designer's portrait_ drawing a standing ovation from the 700 guests.
Giorgio Armani's niece_ Silvana Armani_ and the designer's partner and collaborator_ Leo Dell'Orco_ took a bow at the end. The emotion was palpable among many in the audience.
"This collection_ the last one Giorgio Armani personally worked on_ is in a way a testament to style and the end of a cycle_ so that new ones can begin_" the group stated. Throughout his life_ Armani maintained strict control over the multi-billion-dollar business empire he built over five decades_ which spans from haute couture to hospitality.
Despite his absence from some shows this summer due to health reasons_ he remained in constant contact with his teams. In his will_ however_ the billionaire stated his wish for the company to be sold_ either to a major fashion group or to be publicly listed. Sunday's show effectively marked the end of Milan Fashion Week_ although the schedule continues until Monday.
Some of Italy's biggest fashion houses_ including Prada_ Gucci_ Fendi and Dolce & Gabbana_ presented their spring/summer 2026 collections in the Lombardy capital this week.