Arrivederci Armani: A Final Bow for Giorgio Armani
- Mimi Piqua
- Sep 28
- 5 min read
With the recent passing of Giorgio Armani, emotions ran high across the fashion world. Both the Emporio Armani show on the 25th of September and the Giorgio Armani show on the 28th carried a heavy weight, these were the final collections under the direct influence of a man who remained creative head of all Armani labels until his death. An almost unheard-of legacy in today’s fashion landscape.
If you're unsure of the difference between the two labels, here's a quick breakdown:
Giorgio Armani is the main and original luxury label synonymous with refined, high fashion.
Emporio Armani, on the other hand, is its younger, more playful sibling. Stylish and sophisticated, but aimed toward a younger audience with trend-led designs at a mid-range price point.
Emporio Armani - September 25th “Ritorne”
The Emporio Armani show was first out the gate, and its 85-look collection offered up everything the brand is known for - sharp tailoring, fluid silhouettes, and a gentle injection of colour that kept things interesting.
The collection itself was called Ritorni ("Returns") and was themed around that post-travel period where you're still mentally on holiday, even though you’ve come home. It opened with earthy, post-safari tones - greige tailoring, metal-sheened silks, and fringed belts, all whispering of sun-kissed skin and slow afternoons.
From Look 22 onwards, the colour story expanded: navy, gold, soft pinks, teals, and lilac flowed together in a dreamy crescendo. Look 35 (above), 36, and 37 were some of my favourites in a pinky-orange colour palette - things I would most definitely pack with me on holiday!
All my favourites: 2, 4, 9, 29, 30, 35, 36, 37, 40, 42, 50, 51, 57, 58, 65, 71, 80, 85
Eveningwear towards the end of the show offered that nostalgic hit of glamour, there were parachute pants in crisp lilac nylon (Look 71 - below), paired with crystal-embellished bandeaus and low-cut black dungarees. Look 65 deserves a special mention for its hot pink karate-style belt. Iconic.
The closing looks, embellished mini dresses and skirts in lilac, blue ( Look 85 - below), and blush pink were beaded to perfection. Eye- catching, delicate, and very much for the younger crowd Emporio Armani speaks to.
After the final looks exited the white-bricked runway, an applause broke out, loud and lasting. Models returned for a final lap, joining the clapping crowd. All eyes drifted to the backstage archway, where Giorgio Armani so often emerged to give his signature nod and half-wave. But this time, it stayed empty.
Silvana Armani - Mr. Armani’s niece and Emporio’s womenswear lead, had already stated she wouldn’t be taking a bow. A respectful decision in light of the moment, and one that made the applause even more emotional.
This show carried more meaning than just a seasonal debut. It marked the symbolic end of Mr. Armani’s 44-year leadership of the Emporio label. His presence lingered, even in his absence.
Giorgio Armani - September 28th - Mystique Eternal
Three days after the Emporio Armani show came what had originally been planned as Giorgio Armani’s 50th anniversary show. Now, it stood as his final runway moment. And what a tribute it was.
The show was streamed live from the majestic Palazzo Brera in Milan, a location so atmospheric it almost did half the storytelling itself. Lanterns filled the square, and guests, who were almost all fashion’s elite or celebrities solemnly filled the space beneath its historic arches.
The runway wove around the courtyard, ensuring every seat had a perfect view. And then as if it couldn’t get more beautiful, a pianist walked into the square and sat by the grand piano and as he began to play, the show began.
Watch the show here:
It opened softly with neutral tailoring, greys, browns, and beiges, all in whisper-light fabrics and impeccable cuts. But this wasn’t just a muted palette, it was a slow build up. A moment to breathe, and introduce the everyday pieces that can easily adapt to any wardrobe. But by Look 27, hints of colour began to peek through - lilac trousers under grey blazers, navy shirts layered with beige knits.
Then, everything changed.
Look 40 was where colour truly exploded. A trio of royal hues - deep blue, lush fern green, and that unforgettable regal purple all took centre stage. Each look was bolder than the last, but nothing felt abrupt. It was orchestrated, seamless. These weren’t clothes, they felt heartfelt, they were memories of Giorgio’s legacy materialised in luxurious silks.
Something else stood out too: the staging of the looks. Many were presented in pairs - male models trailing a few steps behind their female counterparts. And not by accident. It felt like a deliberate, respectful nod to the women Armani adored and designed for so exquisitely throughout his life. The couples were so unbelievably chic. If I passed them in the street, I’d question whether they were even real.
ABOVE - LOOKS (in order) 9, 65, 74, 60, 88 ,55
All my favourites: 9, 14, 18, 19, 23, 32, 40, 41, 42, 46, 47, 55, 60, 62, 65, 66, 69, 74, 79, 82, 84, 87, 88, 90
Look 60 (above) was particularly striking, royal purple silk trousers with a matching top, glowing under the lights. Green and purple even came together in some pairings, one look (55 - above) seamlessly blended the green with the royal purple in a tie dye effect, and somehow it worked - miraculous. There were bright blue looks (63, 65 (above), 67) And intertwined between these looks was more purples (62, 64, 66, 68) Everything was done so strategically and you could tell!
Then came Look 69, which marked yet another shift. From playful daywear to a climax of eveningwear glamour. Embellishments and beading took centre stage. Dresses sparkled like constellations, while the men’s suits - often cut in velvet or detailed with their own subtle glints (Look 88 - above - was a really nice one!) played a quiet supporting role just a few paces behind the women.
The final look... left me speechless.
The dress worn by the opening model, made in a beautifully rich royal purple, glittering with beaded embellishments all over the bodice and tulle skirt, fitted beautifully and was tied at the waist with a rope-tassel belt. But more than that, on the front of the gown, formed entirely out of thousands of light-reflecting beads, was the face of Giorgio Armani himself!
A tribute in the most literal, breathtaking sense. One final look, for one final show. A moment of fashion history I’ll never forget. Honouring his name and his lasting legacy in the fashion world by immortalising him in a piece of fashion at his last ever creatively influenced show.
Both shows were done in such a beautiful way to honour Giorgio’s brilliant, creative mind. The Giorgio Armani in particular completely blew me away, it was a beautiful honour to watch, I only wish I could have been there!
Grazie Mr Armani. It has been a pleasure respecting and viewing your creative genius.
With love,
Mimi x
Comments