Milan Fashion Week turned into a heartfelt celebration on Sunday as the fashion world paid tribute to the late Giorgio Armani.
The Italian design icon, who passed away peacefully at home on September 4, left behind a monumental legacy, and the Armani show commemorated both his life and the 50th anniversary of his eponymous brand.
Stars Gather to Celebrate a Fashion Icon
Cate Blanchett led the celebrity attendees, wearing a striking black and gold structured jacket paired with wide-leg trousers and black stilettos.
She was joined by Eiza Gonzalez, who dazzled in a beaded collared jacket with straight-leg trousers, and Nathalie Emmanuel, who chose a strapless tapestry gown layered with a luxurious fur coat.
Fashion luminaries like Anna Wintour, in an elegant all-white ensemble, also attended, underscoring the global impact of Armani’s work.
A Candlelit Tribute at the Pinacoteca di Brera
The show took place in the courtyard of Milan’s Pinacoteca di Brera Museum, lined with candles to honor Armani’s life and extraordinary career.
Giorgio’s niece, Silvana Armani, and longtime collaborator Leo Dell’Orco greeted the audience as the collection unfolded, celebrating the designer’s final creations.
Carlo Capasa, president of the Italian Fashion Chamber, described the tribute as recognition of Armani’s creative, entrepreneurial, and personal legacy during a pivotal moment in the fashion industry.
The Lasting Influence of Armani
Over five decades, Armani transformed fashion—from redefining officewear for men and women in the 1980s to pioneering the concept of “stealth wealth” in the 1990s.
His relaxed tailoring became a signature, dressing Hollywood stars including Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, and Lady Gaga.
His suits were immortalized in films such as American Gigolo, Goodfellas, and The Wolf of Wall Street, solidifying his place in both fashion and pop culture.
An Empire Built on Vision and Passion
Beyond his catwalk achievements, Armani was a shrewd entrepreneur.
He oversaw labels including Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, and couture line Armani Privé, launched in 2005.
He extended his brand to Armani Casa, Armani Beauty, and Armani Hotels and Resorts, and even explored art exhibitions, live music, sporting events, and chocolate lines.
Fellow designer Donatella Versace described his passing as the loss of a giant who “made history and will be remembered forever.”
Dedication Until the Very End
Even in his final days, Armani remained hands-on, directing Paris couture shows remotely and approving every detail of his collections.
He once admitted that his greatest weakness was being in control of everything and expressed regret at spending too many hours at work instead of with friends and family.
His tireless dedication shaped an empire generating approximately €2.3 billion ($2.7 billion) annually.
Tributes Pour in from Around the World
Italy’s Culture Minister, Alessandro Giuli, praised Armani as “a leading figure in Italian culture, who transformed elegance into a universal language.”
Celebrities, collaborators, and fans alike reflected on how he redefined the intersection of fashion, cinema, and society.
Despite his declining health, Armani continued to influence the fashion world right up until his passing, leaving a legacy of elegance, innovation, and business acumen.
Private Funeral and Public Homage
Armani’s funeral will be private, though well-wishers have the opportunity to pay respects at a public viewing in Milan.
The company described him as “indefatigable to the end,” emphasizing that his dedication to the brand, collections, and future projects never wavered.
This final tribute at Milan Fashion Week served as a reminder of the monumental mark he left on the fashion world and beyond.