Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 28, 2025 · Entertainment

Cate Blanchett and Stars Pay Tribute to Fashion Legend Giorgio Armani at Milan Show

Cate Blanchett led the celebrities attending the Armani show during Milan Fashion Week on Sunday as they paid tribute to the late designer

GIORGIO ARMANI: THE FASHION ICON WHO LEFT AN INDENTABLE MARK ON THE WORLD OF FASHION

The fashion world is still reeling in shock as it pays tribute to the late Giorgio Armani, a legendary designer who left an indelible mark on the industry. The Italian icon passed away peacefully at his home on September 4th, surrounded by loved ones. His passing has sent shockwaves across the globe, with fashion enthusiasts and celebrities alike mourning the loss of a true legend.

At Milan Fashion Week, Cate Blanchett led the A-list crowd in paying tribute to Armani's legacy. The actress, who had been dressed by Armani throughout her career, stunned on the catwalk in a structured black and gold jacket paired with wide leg trousers and stiletto heels. Eiza Gonzalez and Nathalie Emmanuel also made an appearance, showcasing their own interpretations of Armani's designs.

Attending the show, Cate was joined by Eiza Gonzalez

But it wasn't just the fashion that was on display – it was the emotion. The courtyard of the Pinacoteca di Brera Museum was lined with candles in celebration of Armani's life, a poignant reminder of his impact on the world of fashion. And as the lights dimmed and the music swelled, it was clear that this was more than just a tribute – it was a celebration of a life well-lived.

Armani's legacy is impossible to ignore. He revolutionized men's wear in the 1980s with his relaxed tailoring, pioneering the concept of "stealth wealth" in the 1990s, and dominating the red carpet until the very end. His influence extended far beyond the catwalk – he dressed celebrities including Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Lady Gaga, and Leonardo DiCaprio, and his suits were a staple on Hollywood's biggest screens.

But what set Armani apart from his peers was his innovative approach to brand extension. He pioneered the concept of creating multiple revenue streams through his various lines, including Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, and Armani Privé. And as the fashion world continues to evolve, it's clear that Armani's influence will be felt for generations to come.

The presentation, which honoured the brand's 50th anniversary, showcased Italian fashion designer Giorgio's final creations after he passed away peacefully at home on September 4 (Armani is pictured here during One Night Only series in Dubai on October 26, 2021)

As fellow Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace wrote on Instagram, "He made history and will be remembered forever." The world has indeed lost a giant, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the designs he created.

Armani's funeral will be private, with well-wishers able to pay their respects beforehand at a funeral chamber open in Milan. But even in death, Armani's impact is being felt – with tributes pouring in from around the world, it's clear that his legacy will continue to inspire and influence for years to come.

A LIFE OF FASHION

In celebration of his life, t he courtyard of the Pinacoteca di Brera Museum was lined with candles while the fashion house described their 'infinite sorrow' at his loss

Giorgio Armani was born on July 10th, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in fashion – but it wasn't until he began working as an assistant at Nino Cerruti's menswear label that his passion for design truly took hold.

Armani's big break came in the late 1960s when he teamed up with his friend and business partner Sergio Galeotti to launch the menswear label Giorgio Armani. The brand quickly gained a reputation for its understated yet sophisticated designs, which revolutionized men's wear and paved the way for a new era of Italian fashion.

In the 1980s, Armani expanded his empire with the launch of Emporio Armani – a diffusion line that catered to a younger audience. And in the 1990s, he pioneered the concept of "stealth wealth" with his innovative designs that blurred the lines between high-end and affordable fashion.

Cate wore a structured black and gold jacket with wide leg trousers

But it was on the red carpet where Armani truly shone. He dressed some of Hollywood's biggest stars – from Julia Roberts to Lady Gaga – and his suits became a staple on screens big and small. From American Gigolo to The Wolf of Wall Street, Armani's designs were a defining feature of some of the most iconic films of our time.

THE FASHION ICON

Armani's impact on fashion extends far beyond his designs. He was a true entrepreneur who understood the power of brand extension – and he built an empire that continues to thrive today.

Eiza, 35, wore a beaded collared jacket with a coordinating pair of straight leg trousers and heels

Through Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, and Armani Privé, he created multiple revenue streams that cemented his position as one of the most successful Italian fashion designers in history. And with his diffusion line, he made high-end fashion accessible to a younger audience – paving the way for future generations of designers.

But what set Armani apart from his peers was his innovative approach to marketing and branding. He pioneered the concept of brand extension, creating multiple revenue streams through various lines that cemented his position as one of the most successful Italian fashion designers in history.

A TRIBUTE FROM THE FASHION WORLD

Actress Nathalie, 36, opted for a strapless tapestry gown with a long fur coat draped over her shoulders

As the fashion world continues to mourn Armani's passing, tributes have been pouring in from across the globe. From Donatella Versace to Anna Wintour – some of the biggest names in fashion have paid their respects to a man who left an indelible mark on the industry.

"Giorgio Armani was a true legend," wrote Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue. "He was a master of fashion and a true innovator – his designs will be remembered for generations to come."

And as Italy's Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli paid homage to Armani's legacy, it became clear that this is more than just a tribute – it's a celebration of a life well-lived.

Eiza has her hair pulled back into a sleek bun and opted for a very subtle makeup look

"Armani was not only a master of fashion," said Giuli. "He was also an ambassador of Italian identity around the world – his understated and innovative style redefined the relationship between fashion, cinema, and society."

In the end, Armani's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the designs he created. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.

They were joined at the event by former editor-in-chief of Vogue Anna Wintour, 75, who wore all-white

Giorgio's niece Silvana Armani and the historic collaborator Leo Dell'Orco greeted the audience at the end of the Giorgio Armani collection show

LaTanya Richardson, Spike Lee and Samuel L. Jackson were seated on the front row

Cate was joined after the show by Afef Jnifen

The duo shared a hug as the event got underway

Richard Gere wrapped an arm around his wife Alejandra Silva as they took their seats

Eiza posed for a photo with Bianca Balti

James Norton opted for a classic black tuxedo and tie for the show

The actor shielded his eyes with sunglasses as he departed the show

Glenn Close wore a black suit with a white silk shirt

Jesse Williams looked smart in a tuxedo with a pinstriped satin shirt

Models walked the runway in purple beaded gowns with cut-out sections

Madonna's son Rocco Ritchie was in attendance