Giorgio Armani misses Milan Fashion Week for the first time

Milan Fashion Week wrapped with a bit of a twist this season, Giorgio Armani wasn’t there to take his signature bow. At 90, the legendary designer decided to skip the closing runway show to rest up from a health issue (don’t worry, he was still very much in the loop, watching the whole thing via livestream).

It’s the first time ever he’s missed a show in his 50-year career, and honestly, it felt like the end of an era, even if just temporarily.

But the show must go on, and it did - flawlessly. Stepping in for Mr. Armani was his right-hand man Leo Dell’Orco, who’s been by his side for over four decades. And according to Leo, Armani gave the whole thing a thumbs up, especially the sweet little twist of pairing men and women in coordinated looks on the runway.

Couple goals? Armani thinks so.Now let’s talk clothes. The collection was a total Armani summer dream: breezy, elegant, and oozing understated luxury. Think wide, pleated trousers and softly structured jackets that make you feel like you’re vacationing in the Amalfi Coast even if you’re just grabbing coffee in Milan. Leather coats were light as a feather, and vests replaced shirts in a way that screamed, “I’m stylish, but I’m chill.”

From afar, the looks felt almost minimalist. But zoom in, and you’d catch all the details - rich textures, subtle pattern clashes, and earthy tones layered with beachy ease. The palette moved from sun-bleached neutrals to deep navy and black, peppered with touches of sea green and desert gold.There were rope sandals, looped belts, and even Nehru collars and kimono jackets, little hints of global inspiration without going full-on costume.

And those tiny glimmering pins? The only bling in sight. Classic Armani restraint.

The venue was dipped in Mediterranean blues, complete with sleek obsidian stones, setting the mood for a summer story told through texture, tone, and timeless silhouettes.Even without physically being there, Giorgio Armani reminded us why he’s the king of cool, effortless menswear. Honestly, nobody does relaxed sophistication quite like him.