Armani Shows Under New Direction
Silvana Armani debuted her first Giorgio Armani collection at Milan Fashion Week, honoring the brand's legacy with fluid, essential looks in her uncle's absence. The show continued the house's tradition of soft, elegant tailoring under the late founder's niece's direction.
Giorgio Armani passed away on September 4, 2025, at the age of 91, setting in motion a detailed succession plan he had meticulously prepared. His will designated his niece Silvana, along with other family members and his longtime collaborator Leo Dell'Orco, as heirs to his fashion empire. Silvana Armani, 70, is a veteran of the company, having worked alongside her uncle for over four decades. She previously served as the creative director for Emporio Armani's women's line and was head of womenswear design, making this a long-anticipated transition. This was her first solo collection for the main Giorgio Armani line, though she made her debut as creative lead for Armani Privé couture in January 2026. Titled "New Horizons," the collection debuted on the last day of Milan Fashion Week to an audience that included actor Andie MacDowell. The clothes reflected Silvana's personal style, with the designer stating, "I only wear trousers, soft jackets and shirts. I don't like frills or excessive jewellery." The show opened with wide, masculine-cut trousers and long coats in grey and sage, before moving to soft, tailored jackets—some quilted in a Japanese style—paired with fluid pants. The eveningwear featured lightweight velvet dresses and tunics in deep burgundy and midnight blue, with some looks accented by beaded embroidery or iridescent corsets. While the collection honored the brand's legacy of elegance, there were subtle shifts. Silvana's designs included more pockets and fewer skirts than her uncle typically favored. Notably absent were the hats that were often a staple of Giorgio Armani's own collections. The future of the company involves a structured sale of ownership. Giorgio Armani's will instructs his heirs to sell a 15% stake in the business within 18 months of his death, with a further sale of up to 54.9% or a public listing to follow within five years. The designer identified French luxury group LVMH, beauty giant L'Oréal, and eyewear firm EssilorLuxottica as preferred potential buyers for the iconic brand. The Giorgio Armani Foundation is set to always retain at least a 30.1% stake to ensure the brand's founding principles are maintained.
