Stars turn out for Armani's final collection in Milan

Hollywood stars Cate Blanchett, Glenn Close, and Richard Gere gathered in Milan on Sunday for the Giorgio Armani show, marking the final collection personally created by the legendary designer before his death. Originally planned as a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Armani’s fashion house, the event became an emotional tribute following his passing on September 4 at the age of 91.

Held at the prestigious Pinacoteca di Brera, where more than 120 of Armani’s creations are currently displayed in an anniversary exhibition, the show carried a deeply reflective atmosphere. The courtyard was adorned with paper lanterns, echoing those placed at Armani’s public viewing earlier this month. Models walked under the historic portico, creating a solemn yet elegant setting. “This moment, this atmosphere speaks for itself. There’s a lot of memories here tonight,” Cate Blanchett told AFP.

The collection drew inspiration from Milan, where Armani lived opposite the Pinacoteca, and Pantelleria, the remote volcanic island where he spent holidays. The runway featured a mix of impeccably tailored suits and shimmering red-carpet gowns in neutral shades, greens, blues, and purples — colors that evoked light, earth, and sea. “Everything appears fluid, light, as if ready to yield to the island’s winds,” read the show notes.

In a nod to his legacy, Armani invited models who had worked with him over the past five decades, each embodying his vision of femininity. After the show, guests toured the exhibition, which includes iconic pieces such as Gere’s suit from the film American Gigolo, the movie that helped cement Armani’s reputation in Hollywood. Gere’s co-star Lauren Hutton also attended, alongside Samuel L. Jackson, James Norton, Toni Servillo, Zhang Ziyi, and director Spike Lee, who called Armani a “Renaissance man.”

Guests received invitations accompanied by a white T-shirt featuring Armani’s image. The show’s finale, a sweeping blue glittering gown bearing his portrait, earned a standing ovation from the 700 attendees. Armani’s niece Silvana and longtime partner and collaborator Leo Dell’Orco closed the evening with a bow, moving many to tears.

Throughout his life, Armani maintained tight control over his billion-dollar empire, which spanned couture, ready-to-wear, and luxury hotels. In his will, he requested that the company eventually be sold or taken public. Sunday’s show marked the symbolic close of a chapter, paving the way for the next era of the iconic fashion house.