The world of fashion is preparing for an emotional and historic Milan Fashion Week this September as the Armani Group confirms it will proceed with its scheduled runway shows and a landmark exhibition, just days after the passing of its legendary founder, Giorgio Armani. For many, this season is not just another entry in the fashion calendar—it’s a poignant tribute and a celebration of a legacy that has shaped global style for half a century.
Giorgio Armani, who died on September 4, 2025, at the age of 91, leaves behind a brand synonymous with effortless elegance and innovation. According to the Associated Press, the Emporio Armani spring/summer 2026 collection will be previewed on September 25, while the Giorgio Armani spring/summer 2026 collection will close out Milan Fashion Week with a much-anticipated runway presentation on September 28. These collections—crafted by Armani himself—will be the last to bear his personal touch, making their debut all the more significant for the fashion community and fans worldwide.
In a statement released by the Armani Group and reported by FashionUnited, the company emphasized its resolve to honor the designer’s values: “The scheduled shows and the opening of the exhibition, on which Armani worked until the very end, reflect the company’s desire to continue a legacy of commitment, respect and passion for work. These are values that have always distinguished Mr. Armani and that he has instilled in all his employees over the years.”
The sense of loss is palpable in Milan. Over 6,000 people queued outside the Armani Group headquarters to pay their respects, a testament to the designer’s impact not only on fashion but also on Italian culture and identity. Armani’s funeral, held privately in Rivalta near his birthplace of Piacenza, was attended by family, friends, and close colleagues, as reported by FashionUnited.
But even as Italy mourns, the fashion world is set to celebrate Armani’s enduring influence. On September 24, the Pinacoteca di Brera museum will open its doors to an exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the Giorgio Armani fashion house. According to the Associated Press, the exhibition will feature 150 archival looks displayed alongside artistic masterpieces, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the creative journey of a designer who revolutionized what clothing could mean.
Armani’s legacy is not just about beautiful clothes—it’s about the democratization of luxury and the blending of Hollywood glamour with Italian craftsmanship. As detailed in The Conversation, Armani was born in Piacenza in 1934 and began his career in fashion after leaving medical school in 1954. By 1975, he had co-founded his own brand with architect Sergio Galeotti, quickly earning a reputation for relaxed tailoring that challenged the stiff formality of traditional suits.
His business acumen was evident early on. Armani recognized the power of fashion licensing and brand diversification, strategies that allowed him to bring luxury within reach of a broader audience. In 1979, Armani introduced his first ready-to-wear line in the United States, with prices ranging from $150 to $450—a far cry from the $800 suits sold in Milan. This approach brought the brand to department stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Nan Dusking, making high fashion more accessible to American consumers.
But perhaps Armani’s most brilliant move was harnessing the allure of Hollywood. The 1980 film "American Gigolo," starring Richard Gere, showcased Armani’s lightweight suits, captivating American audiences and launching the brand into the stratosphere. As fashion scholar John Potvin noted, "The film introduced American audiences to a visual style which has been much imitated since. Its wardrobe launched Giorgio Armani in the U.S. and ... consolidated Richard Gere’s sex symbol image."
Over the decades, Armani’s designs graced more than 200 films, including "The Untouchables" (1987) and "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013), reinforcing the brand’s reputation as a symbol of power and style. In 1982, Armani became only the second designer to appear on the cover of Time magazine—a testament to his global influence.
Celebrity culture and red-carpet glamour became integral to the Armani brand. In 1988, Armani opened a flagship store on Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles, catering to Hollywood’s elite. With the help of Wanda McDaniel, a former journalist turned Hollywood insider, Armani’s clothes became a staple at high-profile events like the Oscars. The designer himself acknowledged the power of such exposure, once stating, "It is about prestige and dreams, but those lead to dollars and cents." His Entertainment Industry Relations department, established to manage celebrity styling and relationships, set a precedent that many fashion houses have since followed.
Armani’s design philosophy always centered on grounded luxury—clothes that elevate everyday life rather than just dazzle on the runway. His most recent autumn/winter 2025/6 collection, described by Prestige Online as a "love letter to effortless elegance," exemplified this ethos. The collection featured volcanic hues, mineral glows, sandy golds, and forest greens, with garments crafted in clean, precise cuts softened by gentle edges. Silk trouser suits, deconstructed coats, and supple accessories emphasized both comfort and sophistication, a hallmark of Armani’s approach to style.
The upcoming exhibition at the Pinacoteca di Brera is more than a retrospective; it’s a celebration of a designer who changed the way people dress, perceive themselves, and experience luxury. The show will not only display archival looks but also reflect Armani’s collaborations with artists and his relentless pursuit of innovation. As reported by the Associated Press, the exhibition opens on September 24, just before the final collections take the runway.
In recognition of the brand’s golden anniversary, Armani also launched an online archive, Armani/Archivio, on August 30 during the Venice Biennale film festival. This digital collection offers fans and researchers access to decades of groundbreaking fashion, ensuring that Armani’s work will inspire future generations.
As Milan Fashion Week approaches, the mood is a blend of reverence, nostalgia, and anticipation. The scheduled shows and the exhibition are not only a farewell to a fashion titan but also a reaffirmation of the values—commitment, respect, and passion for work—that Giorgio Armani embodied. The world will watch as the final collections make their debut, closing a remarkable chapter in fashion history while opening the door to the next.
With the curtain set to rise on the last collections personally designed by Giorgio Armani, Milan prepares to honor a man whose vision and artistry transcended trends, leaving a legacy that will continue to shape the world of fashion for years to come.
