Giorgio Armani launched the second chapter of Armani/Archivio during Milan Design Week 2026, featuring a series of invitation only conversations at the Giorgio Armani boutique on Via Sant’Andrea exploring the intersection of fashion and culture. The talks brought together leading voices from collecting, archiving, and fashion to examine the relationship between memory and creation.
Conversation Series
Fashion researcher Elise By Olsen engaged in dialogue with curator Jillian Choi, while costume designer Miyako Bellizzi exchanged perspectives with James Harris and Lawrence Schlossman from podcast Throwing Fits. On the final day, Slam Jam founder Luca Benini joined fashion journalist, creative, and consultant Gianluca Cantaro in a conversation bridging subculture and contemporary discourse.
Collection Launch
The second chapter features thirteen men’s and women’s looks from 1979 to 1994, faithfully reproduced from iconic Giorgio Armani collections. The pieces, centering on the evolution of the Armani jacket, were made available on May 7, 2026, in select stores in the U.S., including Apropos Berlino, Just One Eye Los Angeles and MyTheresa.com, as well as on armani.com and select Giorgio Armani boutiques.
Installation and Campaign
Milan based studio NM3 created a bespoke installation at the Via Sant’Andrea boutique to accompany the launch. The campaign was shot and styled by Eli Russell Linnetz, referencing the brand’s early imagery while presenting garments through a contemporary lens. The installation hosted the conversation series, creating a dialogue between past and present through archival pieces displayed in the retail environment.
Archivio Platform
Originally launched in 2025 to mark the label’s 50th anniversary following Giorgio Armani’s passing in September 2025 at age 91, ARMANI/Archivio serves as an interactive digital platform preserving the house’s heritage. The platform acts as a conceptual dictionary showcasing iconic vintage looks across five decades, with detailed information accessible at archivio.armani.com.
