Giorgio Armani Misses Milan Fashion Week for First Time Due to Health Recovery

After over five decades defining fashion, Giorgio Armani will not attend Milan Fashion Week, a first in his storied career as he focuses on recovery following a brief hospitalization.

Fashion legend Giorgio Armani has announced he will miss Milan Fashion Week this season for the first time ever due to health reasons. The 90-year-old designer is currently recovering at home, following a recent hospital stay in Milan, as confirmed by his company in a statement.

Armani had been fully engaged in preparing the Spring-Summer 2026 collections for his eponymous brand, exhibiting his characteristic dedication, but will now follow the menswear shows remotely on Saturday and Monday. This news signifies a unique chapter in Armani's career, which has spanned more than 50 years.

His absence will be felt strongly, especially as he has been a long-standing fixture in the fashion community and made headlines last year suggesting a possible retirement in the face of his advancing age. During this Milan Fashion Week, the spotlight will shift to Leo Dell'Orco, Armani's trusted collaborator and head of menswear design, who will take center stage to conclude the shows.

Despite his recent health scare, Armani is reportedly in good spirits and is anticipated to make an appearance at his brand’s upcoming events in Paris at the end of June. Celebrating the brand's 50th anniversary next month while also marking his 91st birthday, Armani has built a formidable empire within the luxury fashion industry since founding his label in 1975 with his late partner, Sergio Galeotti.

Not only does the fashion house boast a variety of lines, but it has also diversified into haute couture, ready-to-wear collections, accessories, beauty products, jewelry, and luxury accommodations in major cities worldwide. This gap in Milan Fashion Week reminds us of the legacy that Armani continues to cultivate and inspire even as he navigates personal challenges.