Giorgio Armani’s Final Collection Premieres at Milan Fashion Week After His Death at 91

The invitation was a pristine white T-shirt printed with his portrait, the dress code was black tie and the show was as fitting a tribute as he would have wished. 

In a spectacle staged with impeccable attention to detail, the only thing amiss was that Giorgio Armani himself was not on hand to see it. 

The A-list from film to fashion to music turned out in force in Milan on Sunday evening to honour the late Italian designer, who died on September 4, aged 91, three weeks before Milan Fashion Week commenced.

The collection – the last one created by the late designer – also marked the 50th anniversary of his signature label.

Making a rare appearance was Richard Gere, 76, with his wife Alejandra Silva. The actor was famously clothed by Armani for the 1980 film, American Gigolo. 

His co-star Lauren Hutton, now 81, and who the designer called his original muse, was also in attendance, wearing a white trouser suit.

They were joined at the Brera Art Gallery by actress and longtime Armani ambassador Cate Blanchett, 56, who wore a bold gold and black striped jacket. 

While actress Glenn Close, 78, in a loose black trouser suit, and White Lotus star, Leslie Bibb, 51, in a strapless black evening gown.

Also in attendance was American Vogue’s former editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who wore a white skirt and matching long-line jacket, actress Marisa Berenson, director Spike Lee, actors James Norton and Samuel L. Jackson and the Italian pop star Alexia.

As darkness fell, the courtyard was illuminated by the light of hundreds of candles. Pianist Ludovico Einaudi gave a haunting performance of Nuvole Bianche, while models walked slowly in pairs, as has always been the Armani way.

The collection featured a raft of classic looks – including Nehru collared jackets, harem pants and soft, deconstructed suits – that became so influential over the past half-century.

The show concluded with an evening-wear section replete with the understated glamour that saw Armani rule the red carpet for decades.

Sequin gowns came in rich jewel colours, while menswear was similarly rich in tone, and included velvet tuxedos.

A titan of the fashion industry, Mr Armani left behind an empire worth an estimated £8.75 billion. A true pioneer, he also left a legacy that is as unmatched.

Mr Armani passed away peacefully at his home just weeks ahead of a planned 50th anniversary celebration.

 In a statement, the fashion house announced his death ‘with infinite sorrow’.

A spokesperson for the company added: ‘Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication.’

Armani had been CEO and creative director up until his death and said in his last interview last weekend: ‘My greatest weakness is that I am in control of everything.’

The fashion icon, who also dressed celebrities including Julia Roberts, George Clooney and Lady Gaga, was famous for his relaxed tailoring 

The self-confessed workaholic, was involved in every aspect of shows and had previously revealed how his biggest regret in life was ‘spending too many hours working and not enough time with friends and family’. 

He said in January that ‘taking a step back in the near future [was] inevitable’ but he would ‘continue as long as my health and energy permits’.

In October last year, Armani said he planned to retire within ‘two to three years’.

He said in an interview published in Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper that he has restless nights in which he dreams of a future in which ‘I no longer have to be the one who says ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.’

The Italian icon was credited with inventing red-carpet fashion, but also moved into a younger and less expensive range through Emporio Armani, and opened luxury hotels.