Milan Fashion Week Presses On with Busy Schedule Honoring Giorgio Armani

Honoring a Legacy: Milan Fashion Week Celebrates Giorgio Armani

The recent Milan Fashion Week, held from September 23 to 29, has taken on a deeply emotional tone as the fashion community pays tribute to one of its most iconic figures, Giorgio Armani. The event, which marks a significant moment in the industry’s history, is being celebrated in memory of the late designer, who passed away at the age of 91. Carlo Capasa, president of Camera della Moda, expressed the sentiment that “we feel his presence in this room,” highlighting the lasting impact Armani has had on the world of fashion.

Capasa emphasized that the current era of transformation in the fashion industry makes Armani’s lessons in creativity, entrepreneurship, and humanity more relevant than ever. As part of the tribute, a moment of silence was observed during the press conference, honoring the legacy of the visionary designer. Meanwhile, Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, confirmed that the Armani family approved his proposal to include the designer’s name in the city’s historic Monumentale cemetery, alongside other notable figures such as novelist Alessandro Manzoni and Italian singer Enzo Jannacci.

Camera della Moda and its associates are also planning an initiative dedicated to Armani, though details remain under wraps. However, it was confirmed that the celebrations for the brand's 50th anniversary will proceed as planned, reflecting Armani’s enduring influence and commitment to quality and consistency.

A Full Schedule of Events and New Names

This season’s Milan Fashion Week promises a packed schedule with 54 runway shows, 85 presentations, and 30 events. While there were no major surprises compared to the provisional calendar released earlier this year, several high-profile debuts have captured attention. Demna’s first show for Gucci, set for September 23, and Dario Vitale’s debut for Versace, scheduled for September 26, are among the most anticipated. Both events will take place in intimate formats rather than traditional runway settings.

Simone Bellotti’s debut at Jil Sander and Louise Trotter’s first collection for Bottega Veneta will be unveiled via runway shows on September 24 and 27, respectively. Other notable names include Knwls, an London-based brand making its debut on September 24, and Sa Su Phi, an Italian label switching to a runway format for its first show on September 26. Indian designer Dhruv Kapoor and French designer Pierre-Louis Mascia are also moving to the women’s calendar for their first runway shows.

Marni, led by Meryll Rogge, is missing from the calendar this season, with its runway debut planned for February’s Milan Fashion Week. Other brands not appearing this edition include Philipp Plein, GCDS, and Del Core.

Key Shows and Presentations

Several established brands are returning to the calendar, including Boss and The Attico, which will stage single shows on September 25 and 26, respectively. Stella Jean and Calcaterra are also back, as are Diesel and Alberta Ferretti on September 23. Fendi, continuing its centennial celebration with a coed show designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, and Moschino will also feature on the schedule.

On September 26, David Koma will present his sophomore runway show for Blumarine, followed by Tod’s, Elisabetta Franchi, and Sunnei. Over the weekend, Ferrari, Ferragamo, and MSGM will also showcase their collections.

Presentations from newcomers like Forte_Forte, Vespa, and Moja Rowa will add to the established lineup, which includes Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli, La DoubleJ, and Ports 1961. Pucci will present its fall 2025 collection with an immersive experience called "Pucciverse" on September 24, while JW Anderson will unveil its resort 2026 collection on September 27.

Trussardi will debut its new chapter with a short film titled "Gentle Society," starring Eva Herzigova and Fernando Lindez, screened at the Anteo Palazzo del Cinema on September 28. Max&Co. will also launch a collaboration with Sami Mirò, and Rossella Jardini, former creative director of Moschino, will make a comeback with a partnership with Italian designer Alessandro Enriquez.

Accessories and Events

Accessories brands such as Paciotti, MCM, Santoni, and Giuseppe Zanotti will join the calendar, showcasing their latest collections. The events portion of the week includes the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards, moved to Saturday night, and the third edition of the Black Carpet Awards on September 24.

Economic Outlook

Carlo Capasa also shared economic projections for the fashion industry, forecasting a 3.6% decline in sales for 2025, reaching 92.4 billion euros compared to 2024. This projection comes amid challenges such as tariffs, geopolitical instability, and weak internal demand. Exports are expected to decrease by 3%, while imports are projected to grow by 4.3%.

As Milan Fashion Week continues, the tribute to Giorgio Armani remains a central theme, underscoring the enduring legacy of one of the industry’s greatest visionaries.