Armani open to more investors for 15% stake

A year after Giorgio Armani's passing on September 4, 2025, his estate is undergoing discussions about dividing a 15% stake among potential buyers, as per his will. LVMH, L'Oréal, and EssilorLuxottica have been identified as the primary candidates for the acquisition, with the deal set to transpire within eighteen months of Armani's demise.

Giuseppe Marsocci, the CEO of the Armani Group, confirmed that all three companies were viable options and that there were no preconceived favorites. Marsocci added that talks regarding the sale had only been initiated post his death's first anniversary, but declined to disclose any progress in the matter. The appointment of Dario Vitale as the new head of accessories and creative director of Emporio Armani has reignited debates over Armani's creative direction in the future.

Marsocci expressed that the house's trajectory remains open-ended, hinting at the potential expansion of Vitale's responsibilities. The spring and summer 2024 womenswear collection was titled "Evolution," reflecting a harmonious blend of day and evening ensembles, with an emphasis on sparkle. The collection featured lean, fluid trousers, long dresses, rigid bodices paired with silver and gold accents.

Notably, the inclusion of cotton, a material Armani had previously shunned, added a fresh dimension to the designs. The collection also showcased pieces inspired by Armani's childhood, such as a recreation of his formal double-breasted Communion suit and a graphic jacket displaying his image. Elsewhere, Louise Trotter's third collection for Bottega Veneta offered a more streamlined silhouette, employing natural materials and the lightest leather available.

The designer aimed to encapsulate the spirit of southern Europe's seasons through her designs, with a particular focus on optimism and "disrobing" as the collection progressed from spring to summer. Notable elements of the show included a floral dress crafted from long loops of uncut fringe, intricate intrecciato bags, slip dresses embellished with three-dimensional leather flowers, and densely embroidered knit tops.

The event was graced by the presence of A-list celebrities including Julianne Moore, Travis Scott, and Kendall Jenner.