A bittersweet farewell: Celebrities honour Giorgio Armani at his final Milan Fashion Week show
Cate Blanchett and Glenn Close attend Giorgio Armani's final show.
Image: Instagram / cate.eblanchett
Milan Fashion Week closed on a bittersweet note as Giorgio Armani’s last collection took to the runway, just weeks after the legendary designer passed away at the age of 91.
What was meant to be a celebration of 50 years of his fashion house became a tribute to the man who redefined modern elegance.
As expected, Hollywood’s elite turned out in full force to witness his last collection.
Richard Gere, forever linked to Armani through the movie “American Gigolo”, made a rare appearance alongside his wife Alejandra Silva.
Richerd Gere and his wife Spanish Alejandra Silva.
Image: Stefano Rellandini / AFP
His co-star from the film, Lauren Hutton, looked effortlessly chic in a crisp white suit.
Cate Blanchett, who is a longtime Armani ambassador, brought the drama in a bold gold-and-black striped jacket.
“This moment, this atmosphere speaks for itself. There’s a lot of memories here tonight,” she told AFP.
Glenn Close kept it sleek in black, while "White Lotus" star Leslie Bibb went full glam in a strapless gown.
Anna Wintour arrived in her signature shades, paired with an all-white look.
Actor Samuel L. Jackson, James Norton and director Spike Lee were also among the many familiar faces who came to pay tribute.
The show took place at the historic Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery, where Armani lived nearby for decades.
The courtyard was lit with hundreds of candles and paper lanterns, creating an intimate atmosphere.
With fluid jackets, soft tailoring, shimmering jewel-toned gowns, and velvet tuxedos, the collection was pure Armani.
The palette reflected two of his favourite places, Milan and the island of Pantelleria, with earthy neutrals, sea blues, and lush greens.
The label described the vibe perfectly in the show notes: “Everything appears fluid, light, as if ready to yield to the island’s winds.”
The final look was a sweeping, glittering blue gown printed with Armani’s face, which echoed the T-shirt invitations sent to guests.
A model wearing an outfit with a portrait of Giorgio Armani.
Image: Stefano Rellandini / AFP
Armani’s niece Silvana and longtime collaborator Leo Dell’Orco stepped out for the final bow, sealing the moment with quiet emotion.
The show marked the end of an era, a farewell to a designer who shaped the way the world dresses and who ruled red carpets for decades.