Fashion World Mourns Giorgio Armani with Final Collection Show in Milan

Stars including Cate Blanchett, Glenn Close, and Richard Gere gathered in Milan on Sunday for the Giorgio Armani Spring/Summer 2026 collection show—his last, following the designer's recent death at age 91. Initially planned as a celebration of 50 years of Armani’s fashion house, the show transformed into a poignant tribute honoring his legacy. Held at the beautiful Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery, which currently displays over 120 of his iconic creations, the runway showcased returning models who walked for Armani over the decades. The collection highlighted a blend of classic suits and elegant dresses featuring a soothing palette of neutrals, greens, blues, and purples, reflecting the beauty of light, earth, and sea, according to an AFP report. Inspired by both the northern Italian city where Armani resided and the serene volcanic island of Pantelleria, where the designer spent many vacations, the collection encapsulated his love for these landscapes. Paper lanterns adorned the courtyard, reminiscent of the public viewing of Armani's body in Milan earlier in the month, while models glided gracefully beneath the portico, creating an atmosphere charged with nostalgia and reverence. “This moment, this atmosphere speaks for itself. There’s a lot of memories here tonight,” Blanchett expressed to AFP, further noting to Reuters that Armani was a profoundly talented and deeply human individual. The show seamlessly blended fashion and art, concluding with a stunning blue glittering gown worn by one of Armani’s favorite models, Agnese Zogla. Featuring an image of the late designer's face, the dress received a standing ovation from an audience of 700 guests—including industry giants and luminaries such as Samuel L. Jackson, James Norton, Toni Servillo, Zhang Ziyi, and Spike Lee. Lee remarked that Armani was not only a remarkable artist but also a humanitarian and a genuinely good person. Post-show, guests visited the Giorgio Armani Milano Per Amore exhibition, which showcases classic outfits, including Gere's iconic suit from the 1980 film 'American Gigolo', juxtaposed against masterpieces of Italian art. Armani’s niece, Silvana Armani, along with his partner and collaborator Leo Dell'Orco, took a bow at the close of the event, marking a significant end of an era. Adding to the ambiance was live music performed by acclaimed Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi, further enriching the emotional atmosphere of the evening. Outgoing Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour was also present, culminating an impactful Milan Fashion Week. Meanwhile, in another part of the city, actors Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci were spotted at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2026 event, where they donned stylish sunglasses. The duo is currently filming 'The Devil Wears Prada' sequel in Milan, further entrenching the city’s significance in the world of fashion and cinema. Streep's portrayal of character Miranda Priestly is loosely inspired by Wintour, marking a blend of art and real life in this bustling fashion capital. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2