Armani's fashion house made the announcement stating that the designer is "currently recovering at home," following a brief hospitalization, as reported by Italian media. Although he will miss his two fashion shows at Milan, he “worked with usual dedication” on the collections and plans to follow the menswear shows remotely on Saturday and Monday.

This marks an unprecedented moment in Armani's career, which has seen him gracing the catwalks of Milan for decades. He is recognized as an influential figure in the luxury fashion industry, and last year hinted at a potential retirement in the coming years.

The upcoming shows will reveal the Spring-Summer 2026 collections for his eponymous label, as Giorgio Armani approaches his 91st birthday next month and the brand celebrates its 50th anniversary. While he will not be in attendance, his longtime collaborator Leo Dell'Orco, head of menswear design, will take on the responsibility of closing the shows.

Armani is reportedly optimistic and is expected to join the activities in Paris later in June. Born in Piacenza, Italy in 1934, Armani initially studied medicine before venturing into fashion and co-founding his label with his late partner Sergio Galeotti. Since then, his brand has risen to prominence, expanding into haute couture, ready-to-wear collections, accessories, beauty products, jewelry, and even luxury hotels globally.