The Spring/Summer 2026 womenswear shows will feature collections from Italian powerhouses including Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Max Mara, Fendi, Roberto Cavalli, Ferragamo, and Bottega Veneta.

But much of the spotlight will be on Armani, the legendary designer and founder of the Armani empire, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 91.


Armani’s final show, held Sunday at Milan’s prestigious Pinacoteca di Brera art museum, was initially planned as a highlight of the brand’s 50th anniversary celebrations. It has now become a symbolic farewell to one of fashion’s most influential figures.

Read Also: Italian Fashion Designer, Giorgio Armani Passes at 91


The museum will also host a retrospective exhibition of 150 of Armani’s most iconic designs from September 24 through January 11. The exhibition, long in the works, was completed with Armani’s input “until the last minute,” the fashion house said.


“We celebrate Milan Fashion Week in memory of one of its founders: Giorgio Armani,” said Carlo Capasa, president of Italy’s National Chamber for Italian Fashion. He described Armani as a visionary who offered “creative, entrepreneurial, and human lessons” during a period of transformation in the industry.


While the fashion world mourns Armani’s passing, Milan is also abuzz with anticipation over a string of high-profile debuts.
All eyes are on Demna, the boundary-pushing Georgian designer known for redefining Balenciaga, as he takes the reins at Gucci. His appointment comes at a critical moment for the Kering-owned brand, which has struggled with declining sales. Gucci will not appear on the official runway calendar, but a private event is set for Tuesday evening.