The air inside Milan’s famed theater was thick with both anticipation and nostalgia on Thursday, September 25, 2025, as the final Emporio Armani collection—personally shaped by Giorgio Armani’s hand—graced the runway. Just weeks earlier, more than 15,000 admirers had gathered in this very space to pay their last respects to the legendary designer, whose name has become synonymous with understated elegance and Italian style. The show, part of Milan Fashion Week, was always going to feel bittersweet. With Armani’s passing on September 4 at the age of 91, the fashion world found itself reflecting on the legacy of a man who didn’t just influence trends—he changed the very language of clothing.
According to the Associated Press, the collection, titled “Ritorni” or “Returns,” was conceived as a meditation on the fleeting moment after vacation, when memories begin to fade and everyday life resumes. The show notes described this as a time of transition, and the garments themselves echoed that sentiment. Relaxed yet precise tailoring—long a hallmark of Armani’s approach—dominated the runway. Masculine and feminine elements were blended with a deft hand: kimono fastenings on jackets, raffia crochet caps, flat walking sandals, and soft leather booties all made appearances, suggesting a traveler’s practicality and a wanderer’s spirit.
The collection’s aesthetic leaned into Armani’s philosophy that “less is more.” As reported by Future plc, tailored separates with in-built ease and practicality were on display. One standout was a crew-neck gilet with oversized pockets—a nod, perhaps, to the designer’s understanding of what women truly want from their clothes. Wide-legged, louche trousers, sometimes paired with glittering bralet-style tops or translucent mesh T-shirts, underscored the collection’s commitment to comfort without sacrificing style. Soft-focus shades and slouchy bags, which could be tossed over the shoulder or tucked under the arm, completed the look. The effect was a masterclass in how elegance can be both effortless and functional.
The emotional charge of the event was palpable. As the show drew to a close, models clapped in tribute during their final circuit of the room—an unusual gesture that spoke volumes. The fashion crowd responded with sustained applause, their eyes fixed on the doorway where Armani himself would traditionally appear for a bow. Instead, the space remained empty and illuminated, a poignant reminder of the man who had shaped not only the collection but also the very identity of the Emporio Armani brand. In a symbolic passing of the torch, Armani’s niece Silvana Armani appeared, waving to the crowd, kissing her right hand, and lifting it to the ceiling—a subtle, heartfelt salute to her uncle and mentor.
Giorgio Armani’s impact on fashion extends far beyond the garments that bear his name. As Future plc noted, his “forensic eye” revolutionized the world of tailoring. While many Italian brands are known for their high-octane glamour, Armani’s vision was always more understated—elegant, yes, but never ostentatious. He dressed Oscar winners and celebrities, but his legacy is perhaps best defined by the way he democratized luxury, making it accessible and wearable for people of all walks of life. The 2025 show, which marked the 50th anniversary of the Giorgio Armani line, served as both a celebration of his achievements and a meditation on what comes next.
The future of the Armani fashion house is now a subject of intense speculation. Before his death, Armani made clear his intentions for succession: creative control of the womenswear lines would pass to his niece Silvana Armani, while longtime collaborator Leo Dell’Orco would oversee menswear. This decision, reported by the Associated Press, was designed to ensure continuity and preserve the brand’s ethos. Yet, as Future plc revealed, Armani’s will also contains a provision that 15% of the company must be sold within 18 months, with luxury giants LVMH, L’Oreal, and EssilorLuxottica given first priority. The implications of this move are still unfolding, but it’s clear that Armani was as thoughtful in planning his company’s future as he was in cutting a men’s suit jacket.
To further honor his legacy, a final Giorgio Armani show is scheduled for Sunday, September 28, at the Brera Art Gallery. There, more than 120 garments handpicked by Armani himself will be exhibited, offering fans and fashion historians alike a rare glimpse into the mind of a designer who shaped the industry for half a century. The exhibition will run through January 11, 2026, giving visitors ample opportunity to reflect on the breadth and depth of his work.
The Emporio Armani Spring-Summer 2026 collection—one of the last to bear Giorgio Armani’s direct imprint—was not merely a showcase of beautiful clothes. It was a statement about legacy, transition, and the enduring power of vision. As Future plc observed, Armani’s approach to fashion may feel less groundbreaking now, but its quiet confidence and attention to detail remain unmatched. The models’ tribute, the crowd’s applause, and Silvana Armani’s gracious wave all underscored a collective recognition: the maestro may be gone, but his influence endures.
For those who attended the show, the experience was about more than fashion—it was about memory, gratitude, and the bittersweet passage of time. The theater, with its architectural details echoing Armani’s precise tailoring and soft fabrics suspended from the ceiling in homage to his mastery of fluidity, became a space for communal reflection. The applause that lingered in the air was not just for the clothes, but for the man who had, for five decades, set the standard for what fashion could—and should—be.
As the industry looks ahead, questions remain about the direction of the Armani empire. Will the new creative leads maintain the delicate balance of innovation and tradition that defined Giorgio Armani’s reign? Will the partial sale of the company bring new influences, or will it reinforce the brand’s core identity? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Giorgio Armani, both the man and the brand, has left an indelible mark on the world of fashion—one that will be felt for generations to come.
In Milan, as the lights dimmed and the crowd dispersed, the sense of an ending was unmistakable. Yet, in every tailored jacket, every thoughtful detail, and every measured stride down the runway, the spirit of Armani lived on—quietly, elegantly, and unmistakably present.
