Armani's final collection to close Milan fashion shows

Giorgio Armani’s final collection will be unveiled this Sunday at Milan Fashion Week, marking not only the 50th anniversary of the iconic Italian fashion house but also serving as a poignant tribute to the designer himself. Armani, who led a billion-dollar fashion empire, passed away earlier this month at the age of 91.

The catwalk show, originally intended as the highlight of a year-long celebration of Armani’s legacy, will take place at the Pinacoteca di Brera, the renowned Milanese art gallery that opened an anniversary exhibition this week. The exhibition features more than 120 of Armani’s creations, celebrating his enduring influence on fashion. Despite the designer’s death, the company decided to continue both the exhibition and the runway event, though Sunday’s show is expected to carry a more reflective and somber tone.

Attendees will dress in black tie, after which they will have the opportunity to explore the exhibition. The displays juxtapose iconic Armani pieces—from elegant red carpet gowns to Richard Gere’s suit in American Gigolo, the film that helped catapult the designer to global fame—with masterpieces of Italian Renaissance art. As a memento, guests will receive a white t-shirt featuring Armani’s portrait, accompanying their invitation.

Earlier this week, Armani’s final collection for the more accessible Emporio Armani line was presented. The collection drew inspiration from the concept of returning to a city after a journey, featuring wide trousers, raffia caps, and nomadic-style bags evoking distant locales. These elements gradually transitioned into urban-ready pieces, reflecting a sophisticated city wardrobe. The collection included jackets, parkas, jumpsuits, skirts, waistcoats, and evening wear crafted from ultra-light nylon, presented in Armani’s signature muted palette of beige, black, and mineral grey.

Sunday’s Giorgio Armani show is set to provide a fitting closure to Milan Fashion Week, even as the broader program continues until Monday. This week has also seen top Italian fashion houses showcase their spring/summer 2026 collections, with major names such as Prada, Gucci, Fendi, and Dolce & Gabbana taking the stage.

Armani’s final runway event, combining art, fashion, and homage, will stand as a testament to the designer’s unparalleled contribution to the fashion world. It honors a career defined by elegance, innovation, and timeless style, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.