Milan Fashion Week Honors Armani Legacy and Renews Focus on ‘Made in Italy’

Milan Fashion Week delivered both poignant goodbyes and daring fresh starts, as the city’s top fashion houses renewed their case for “Made in Italy.”

One of the most emotional moments came Sunday night with Giorgio Armani’s final runway presentation, staged at the Pinacoteca di Brera museum. Following his passing earlier this month, the Spring-Summer 2026 collection was shown in solemn tribute. Models walked with serious expressions, often in pairs, wearing flowing gowns, mandarin-collar coats, and sophisticated red-carpet looks. A live pianist and courtyard lanterns set a reflective tone. Hollywood stars including Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere, Glenn Close, and Samuel L. Jackson joined designers like Paul Smith and Dries Van Noten in honoring the late “maestro.”

While Armani’s legacy was celebrated, other brands ushered in new chapters. Gucci’s debut under Demna turned heads with a short film featuring Demi Moore, Edward Norton, and Elliot Page, followed by a glitzy premiere attended by Gwyneth Paltrow, Serena Williams, and BTS’s Jin. Jil Sander’s new designer, Simone Bellotti, offered a quieter statement, opening with model Guinevere van Seenus in a minimalist nod to the brand’s 1990s roots.

Elsewhere, established houses reinforced their identities. Fendi showcased vibrant knits and coveted handbags in its centennial year, with celebrities like Hilary Duff and Naomi Watts in attendance. Prada’s Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons explored “freedom” and modern elegance with utilitarian jackets, bralettes, and uniform-inspired looks. Diesel, under Glenn Martens, continued its experimental streak, sending models into Milan in egg-shaped domes with QR codes for a citywide “egg hunt.”

Playfulness was on display at Moschino, where Adrian Appiolaza drew on Italy’s Arte Povera movement, transforming upcycled materials into whimsical pieces like beach bucket handbags. Max Mara surprised with Rococo-inspired flourishes, turning trench coats and organza layers into floral silhouettes. Meanwhile, indie label Sunnei staged a satirical “auction” of its founders, later revealed as a farewell show for designers Loris Messina and Simone Rizzo.

Across the week, the collections underscored both Italy’s timeless craftsmanship and its evolving spirit, even amid economic uncertainty and rising consumer skepticism. From heartfelt tributes to experimental formats, Milan proved once again why it remains one of fashion’s global capitals.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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