Giorgio Armani’s influence remains strong at Milan Fashion Week, showcased in the historic setting of his Milan headquarters. Following the runway show, a casual dinner with celebrity guests and business associates highlighted the enduring appeal of Armani’s vision. The Giorgio Armani Foundation seeks a buyer for a 15% stake in Armani’s fashion group, a stipulation in Armani’s will which adds significance to every show. Silvana Armani, Armani’s niece and head of womenswear design, stated the goal is to continue his creative message. She emphasized real clothes for real people.
The menswear collection, combined with womenswear cruise attire, demonstrated Armani’s characteristic nonchalance through relaxed silhouettes and models’ unstudied gestures. Some models fiddled with accessories, while others casually slung jackets over shoulders. Silvana Armani and Leo Dell’Orco introduced new touches to the collection. They lengthened jackets and adjusted the fit of trousers, maintaining a balanced silhouette. Observers noted that the collection portrayed real people heading out, rather than models on a runway.
The collection captured a Mediterranean mood through safari jackets and elongated blazers paired with plunging shawl-collar vests or shirts. A palette of sun-bleached greens, cobalt blues, and sandy neutrals evokes the region’s ambiance. Fabrics such as linen, cotton, and textured knits reinforced the relaxed summer theme. This is Silvana Armani’s first design for womenswear cruise looks, featuring lightly draped jackets, coats, and dresses.
Front-row attendees included actors Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mark Strong, and Lucy Boynton, along with pop singer Conan Gray. After the show, guests like film director Paolo Sorrentino and Marco Bizzarri, former Gucci CEO and Armani board member, joined a cocktail dînatoire in the garden.
Armani’s will directed heirs to sell a 15% stake in the company, encompassing Emporio Armani and Armani/Casa, within 18 months of his passing last September. Silvana Armani and Dell’Orco continue his creative legacy. Dell’Orco, the foundation chairman, holds 40% of the voting rights in the fashion group. He dismissed rumors of Dario Vitale joining Emporio Armani, as reported by ANSA. As Armani’s empire evolves, his creative vision is upheld by longtime collaborators.