Giorgio Armani to Miss Milan Fashion Week Shows Due to Health Concerns

In a significant turn of events for the fashion industry, renowned Italian designer Giorgio Armani, aged 90, will not be attending the Milan Fashion Week shows this weekend. This marks the first time in the brand's history that Armani will miss the prestigious event, a decision attributed to health concerns following a brief hospitalization.

A statement released by the Armani brand on June 21, 2025, confirmed that the designer is currently recovering at home and will not be present at the two scheduled shows. This decision has raised eyebrows across the fashion world, given Armani's long-standing prominence and influence in the industry. According to a report by La Repubblica, the absence follows a recent hospital stay, although specific details regarding his health have not been disclosed.

Armani, widely known as "Re Giorgio" in Italy, has previously acknowledged the challenges posed by age. In an interview with The Guardian earlier this year, he remarked, "Age is undoubtedly a factor to contend with" while expressing his intention to continue working as long as his health allows. He further indicated that a gradual step back from his role is inevitable in the coming years, despite his commitment to the brand's legacy. In a 2024 interview with Corriere della Sera, he mentioned aspirations to retire in the next few years, assuring that the Armani brand would persist beyond his tenure.

Historically, Armani has been a singular force in the fashion world, maintaining complete ownership of his company and overseeing every collection produced since its inception over 50 years ago. A recent Forbes valuation estimated the Armani Group's worth at £10 billion, underscoring the brand's financial robustness even in a market increasingly dominated by conglomerates like LVMH and Kering.

Armani's contributions to fashion are numerous, including the modernizing of menswear and introducing Italian elegance to Hollywood. His designs have been worn by A-list celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, and Angelina Jolie on prestigious red carpets. His absence from Milan Fashion Week has prompted speculation about the future of the brand, particularly regarding leadership succession, as there has yet to be a designated heir to the Armani legacy.

Despite his absence, the brand reassured followers of Armani's continued involvement, stating he worked with his usual dedication on both collections scheduled for display. Leo Dell’Orco, Armani's collaborator and head of menswear design, will take the designer's place on the runway, ensuring the show proceeds as planned.

As the fashion community eagerly anticipates the upcoming Privé haute couture show in Paris next month, many are hopeful that Armani's health will improve sufficiently for him to attend. His legacy of innovation and excellence in fashion endures, yet questions remain about the future direction of the brand he has built into a global icon.

In conclusion, Giorgio Armani's absence from the Milan shows highlights not only personal health challenges but also broader implications for the fashion industry, particularly regarding transitions of leadership in longstanding family-owned brands. The fashion world watches closely as this iconic designer navigates this critical period in his life and career.