Why Giorgio Armani misses Milan Fashion Week for first time
For the first time in his five-decade career, Giorgio Armani will not take his final bow at Milan Fashion Week, as the 90-year-old designer recovers at home following a brief hospital stay.
His eponymous fashion house, which was founded by the "living legend" in 1975, confirmed that the Spring/Summer 2026 shows will go ahead in his absence. Long-time collaborator and Menswear Director Leo Dell’Orco took the closing bow on the runway on Saturday and is expected to do the same today.
Although not physically present, Armani is said to be following "every phase of the shows" remotely, having worked with his "usual dedication" on the upcoming collections. He is expected to attend the label’s upcoming shows in Paris in July, as the brand prepares to mark its 50th anniversary alongside Armani’s 91st birthday.
View this post on Instagram
The absence of the fashion legend has sparked concern from fans across social media, with comments such as "Long live Giorgio Armani" and "Hope he is alright" flooding Instagram posts. His absence, rare in an industry where the designer has become a constant, has prompted fresh speculation about the future of the privately owned fashion empire.
Armani has long maintained an intense work ethic. However, this is not the first time the designer’s health has caused pause. In 2021, he was hospitalised after a fall at the theatre left him with a fractured arm and 17 stitches. That same year, he returned to the runway with a visible scar - a nod to his resilience.
While Armani has given no indication that he is stepping down, he has previously acknowledged the importance of succession planning. "I am preparing my future with the people around me," he told the Associated Press in 2021.Leo Dell’Orco and his niece Silvana Armani are positioned as his potential successors.
