Unfolding with poetic resonance at Milano Men’s Fashion Week SS26, the Emporio Armani Spring Summer 2026 menswear show marked both a personal and creative milestone. Though Giorgio Armani, now 91, was absent from the runway for the first time since founding his house in 1975—due to a brief illness—his presence was deeply felt. Every look, every detail, every thread bore his unmistakable signature. Via FaceTime, he remained intimately involved backstage, proving that even from a distance, his vision guided the show like a steady compass.

This season, Armani cast his gaze far beyond his Milanese roots, expanding the Emporio universe into a world-spanning, culturally immersive wardrobe. The collection paid tribute to northern and central Africa, Central Asia, and the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, weaving together symbols, textures, and silhouettes that spoke not of costume, but of connection. It was fashion not as appropriation, but as respectful cultural dialogue—a celebration of the rich diversity that informs contemporary elegance.

The show opened with a striking introduction via the EA7 line—models moved with purpose in ultra-marathon-ready athleticwear, clad in piped nylon track jackets, mesh-layered shorts, and tech fabrics punctuated with geometric motifs inspired by Moroccan design. This kinetic energy served as a prelude to what followed: a transition into a deeply expressive, almost cinematic main collection.

What emerged next was a richly layered portrait of the modern wanderer. Suede-lined coats, feathered tunics, and tassled silk bloomers floated past in warm, earthen tones and tactile finishes. Embroidered carpet duffles, rattan hats, and beaten-metal talismans hung from fringed necklaces—each accessory evoking travel, tradition, and storytelling. There was soul in every stitch, movement in every hem.

Yet this wasn’t nostalgia. It was Armani’s deft fusion of the old with the new—of heritage and fluid modernity. Plissé trousers caught the breeze with ease, while linen smocks printed with animals like elephants and storks added a hint of playfulness to the sophistication. Soft, architectural tailoring anchored the collection, reminding viewers that refinement still lies at the core of Emporio Armani’s DNA.

The notion of infinity ran like a golden thread through the entire presentation. From rhythmic pattern work to free-flowing layers, the collection whispered of endless paths, of quiet exploration, of style that transcends borders. The house press notes called these motifs “representations of infinity”—an elegant metaphor for a fashion language that continues to evolve without forgetting its roots.

And while Giorgio Armani wasn’t physically in the room, this was his spirit in full bloom. The seamless blend of craftsmanship, curiosity, and cultural respect felt like a love letter to his lifelong journey in fashion—and a torch passed gently toward the future.

Emporio Armani SS26 wasn’t just a runway show. It was a global conversation. A sartorial voyage. And most of all, a testament to the enduring relevance of a brand—and a man—who continues to shape the very idea of what modern menswear can be.