Earlier this summer, Giorgio Armani sent personal invitations to his close friends and longtime collaborators, asking them to join him at his acclaimed 50th-anniversary fashion show. Tonight, nearly all of his invited guests gathered for the event, but the most notable absence was Mr. Armani himself.

The evening still had a celebratory feel. Richard Gere, Lauren Hutton, Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Cate Blanchett, and many others traveled to Milan. Yet, more than honoring the enduring brand, we were there to pay tribute to the legendary designer—arguably Italy’s finest—who passed away earlier this month at the age of 91. As we settled in to watch the final Giorgio Armani show overseen by the man himself, Vogue Runway seized the opportunity to ask some guests about their memories and thoughts of the person who had invited them.

Spike Lee reflected, “He was a great artist, visionary, and humanitarian. Early in my career, when he reached out to include me in a show, I was surprised he even knew who I was. And you can’t discuss Mr. Armani without mentioning Italy.”

Tonya Lewis Lee added, “I recall your connection with Armani dating back to the early ’90s, around the time of Malcolm X or even earlier. You were wearing a lot of Armani then, and I remember when they used to hold shows in New York—something I really miss now.”

Spike Lee continued, “Pat Riley coaching the Lakers in Armani! And American Gigolo. That’s what really embedded his influence in American culture. He was one of the giants. My wife and I canceled other plans to be here tonight; there was no way we’d miss paying our respects.”

Dries Van Noten shared, “I first saw Armani’s ads in the ’70s when I was just starting fashion school. It felt like a revolution to me—so different with its natural colors, materials, shades, and logos. It opened my eyes, and I loved it. I wore it, and it made me think, sparking my love for fashion. His vision remained consistent over the 50 years we’re celebrating, and we’re celebrating Giorgio, of course. That’s amazing to me, and I learned so much from him. We met a few times to chat, and though my broken Italian and his broken English made it imperfect, there was mutual respect. When I stepped down, he sent me the most beautiful letter—it was truly special.”

Samuel L. Jackson expressed, “It was an immense honor to know him personally. For me, it signaled a level of success—that I could afford his designs and was welcomed into his world, where he listened to my suggestions and created pieces for me. My mother taught me that some fashion never goes out of style, and he was the one who made timeless items that I valued deeply. Wearing his clothes meant I’d cherish them for years; it was more than just an expensive buy—it was a choice that set me apart not just momentarily, but forever. That relationship was something that was…”It was more than just fashion; it felt deeply personal. I never thought someone from my background would meet such an iconic figure and form a real connection. It was truly an honor.

Lauren Hutton at the Giorgio Armani spring 2026 show, captured by Acielle StyleDuMonde, reflected, “To me, he was a living treasure, and his legacy will endure as long as we’re here. Through American Gigolo, we witnessed his incredible deconstructed designs for men and women—soft, flexible, and made with beautiful colors and materials. I’d been in fashion for about 15 years before him, when Paris dominated the scene twice a year and Milan was all about fabrics. He changed everything. I even played a small part in bringing him to Hollywood by introducing his clothes to my friends in the Shakespeare class at the Public Theater, like Goldie Hawn and Sally Kellerman. They all asked about my jacket and pants, and soon everyone was wearing Armani. Knowing the Academy Awards were approaching, I suggested they could get his designs wholesale, and the next thing you knew, the event was filled with Armani. I still wear pieces from 40 years ago.”

Glenn Close, also at the show, shared, “I couldn’t miss tonight—to pay tribute and honor his memory. I got emotional at the end when he wasn’t there. I felt a personal bond with him, even though we didn’t spend much time together or go on vacations. There was a special, unspoken connection. Years ago, when I performed in A Streetcar Named Desire at the National Theatre, he came to see it. I used to write him letters, and his nephew would translate them for him. He dressed me for many important events. My first visit to his Madison Avenue boutique in the ’80s led me to buy a double-breasted black blazer with fabulous square shoulders that I still own. He later lent me a stunning dress for the Kennedy Center honors when Reagan was president, and I have a photo of me shaking his hand in that effortless gown. Growing up, I never shopped much and struggled to define my style, but with Mr. Armani’s suits, I felt comfortable and truly myself.”

Paul Smith commented, “His approach to tailoring was revolutionary—softer silhouettes, longer jackets, and trousers without creases, using fluid, flowing fabrics. Many don’t realize he was the first to pair a T-shirt with a suit or a navy crew neck in winter. Tonight’s show started with familiar colors, then surprised with blues, violets, and sea greens, plus magnificent evening dresses. Once, as a guest editor for Wallpaper* magazine, he chose to interview me, which was humbling. We found we’re both independent; my label is 55 years old, his 50, and we both enjoy being in our shops. I first met him on Via Durini, where he was sweeping outside—very down-to-earth.”

Eiza González at the Giorgio Armani spring 2026 show, as photographed by Acielle StyleDuMonde.Eiza González shared, “My mother was a model in Mexico during the 1960s and ’70s, and her ultimate dream was to embody the Armani woman. To us, the Armani woman represented someone busy, outgoing, intelligent, and sharp. We had a ritual of buying Vogue and flipping through the pages, imagining what it would be like to wear those clothes. Armani’s ads always stood out. At a time when everything was hyper-feminine, there was little room for women to express a tomboyish or a blend of feminine and masculine traits, but Armani championed that narrative.

I’ve met him a few times. Once, at a Vanity Fair party, he came over and spoke to me—it was a profoundly meaningful moment in my life. I was quite young and navigating a world that could feel overwhelming, but he was kind and made me feel seen. That meant a lot to me. He has always lent me dresses and outfits for events, making me feel recognized as a woman, and especially as an immigrant woman.”

The models at the Giorgio Armani spring 2026 ready-to-wear show. Photo: Acielle/StyleDuMonde

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and concise FAQs about the Giorgio Armani project Through Their Eyes

General Beginner Questions

1 What is Giorgio Armani Through Their Eyes
Its a special project where Giorgio Armani invited a group of iconic celebrities and designers to share their personal perspectives on his work and legacy through interviews and portraits

2 Who are the people featured in it
The project includes wellknown figures like actors Glenn Close Samuel L Jackson and Lauren Hutton filmmaker Spike Lee and fashion designer Dries Van Noten among others

3 Where can I see or read these perspectives
The content was typically published on Giorgio Armanis official digital channels in highend fashion magazines and sometimes exhibited in galleries or during fashion week events

4 Why did Giorgio Armani do this project
To celebrate his career and influence by showing how his work is viewed and appreciated by other respected artists and creators offering a multifaceted look at his impact

5 Is this a new clothing collection
No its not a new collection Its a conceptual and celebratory project focused on dialogue personal stories and artistic appreciation of Armanis existing body of work

Deeper Advanced Questions

6 What makes this project different from a standard brand campaign
Instead of just advertising products it uses the authentic voices of cultural icons to explore Armanis philosophy craftsmanship and lasting influence on both fashion and cinema giving it more depth

7 Why were these specific individuals chosen
They were likely chosen for their longstanding relationship with the brand their own iconic status and their unique ability to articulate Armanis influence from different anglesfilm fashion and personal style

8 What common themes did the participants highlight about Armanis work
Common themes often include his mastery of tailoring the timeless and effortless elegance of his designs his use of luxurious fabrics and his revolutionary powerdressing for women in the 1980s

9 How does a designer like Dries Van Notens perspective differ from an actors
An actor like Samuel L Jackson might focus on how Armanis clothes make them