On September 28, 2025, Milan Fashion Week culminated in an emotional and historic moment as the iconic Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani presented its final collection personally crafted by the legendary designer before his recent passing. The event was held in the neo-classical courtyard of the Pinacoteca di Brera art museum, a prestigious Milanese institution that also hosted a career-spanning exhibition showcasing over 120 of Armani’s most iconic designs. This fashion show, originally intended to celebrate Armani’s 50th anniversary in fashion, transformed into a moving tribute attended by a legion of movie stars, fashion icons, and industry elites.
Venue and Atmosphere
The show was staged in the grand courtyard of the Pinacoteca di Brera, beautifully illuminated by hundreds of tea-lights and paper lanterns, evoking an intimate, reverent ambiance reminiscent of the public viewing of Armani’s remains earlier that month. This setting perfectly encapsulated the deep cultural connection Giorgio Armani had with Milan, both as his lifelong home and as the base of his fashion empire. Live piano music by renowned Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi accompanied the runway, enhancing the elegant yet somber tone of the evening.
The Collection: “Pantelleria, Milan”
The Spring/Summer 2026 collection, titled “Pantelleria, Milan,” reflected two deeply cherished places in Armani’s life—the vibrant city of Milan and the volcanic island of Pantelleria, off the coast of Sicily, where Armani owned a summer retreat. The color palette was inspired by these landscapes, ranging from natural earth tones like burnt sand, lava, and stone to deep aquatic blues evoking the surrounding seas. The silhouettes showcased airy, fluid designs crafted from light silks, dry linens, and printed cottons. Classic Armani tailoring was reimagined with relaxed pajama suits for men, tunics, boleros for women, innovative dhoti pants, and deconstructed blazers, blending timeless elegance with contemporary innovation.
Star-Studded Attendance
The event drew notable celebrities including Richard Gere—who famously wore Armani in the 1980 film “American Gigolo”—alongside Cate Blanchett, Glenn Close, Lauren Hutton, and director Spike Lee. Many models who had walked Armani’s runway over the decades returned to grace the catwalk once more, presenting timeless suits and radiant gowns that narrated the evolution of Armani’s design ethos.
The Finale and Tribute
The show’s finale was highlighted by a spectacular appearance from Agnese Zogla, one of Armani’s muses, who walked the runway adorned in a shimmering blue gown featuring a crystal-embellished portrait of Armani himself. This poignant gesture elicited a standing ovation from the audience of 700, underscoring the profound respect for Armani’s enduring legacy. At the conclusion, Armani’s niece Silvia Armani and his life partner and collaborators in the women’s and men’s collections, Leo Dell’Orco, took center stage to express gratitude and acknowledge the overwhelming applause.
Legacy and Exhibition
Following the runway show, attendees were invited to the exhibition “Giorgio Armani: Milano, Per Amore,” where iconic pieces from the designer’s 50-year career were displayed alongside masterpieces of Renaissance art, perfectly symbolizing Armani’s unique status as a cultural institution. The exhibition included memorable garments like the suit worn by Gere in “American Gigolo,” weaving Armani’s influence through fashion and cinema.
Reflections from Celebrities
Cate Blanchett described Armani as a “deeply human and talented individual” and lauded his philanthropic efforts. Spike Lee called Armani “an artist and a humanitarian.” Their remarks highlighted the broader impact of Armani beyond fashion as a figure who deeply influenced art, culture, and society.
This final collection not only commemorated Giorgio Armani’s unparalleled contribution to Italian and global fashion but also marked the end of an era at Milan Fashion Week, which now turns its gaze to Paris. Armani’s legacy as a master tailor and creative visionary will continue to inspire the fashion world for decades to come.