Milan Uomo Moda: EA7 celebrates Milano Cortina 2026

The most exciting and fun show so far this season was EA7: a snappy runway event that took over a main thoroughfare of via Manzoni, blocking traffic, attracting hundreds of fans and ultimately breathing life into a sleepy fashion season.

It seemed like an affirmation that the house of Giorgio Armani is very active, four months after the death of the great fashion designer. And of Italian pride as the country prepares to host the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics next month.

Emporio Armani's EA7 will outfit all Italian athletes in all disciplines at the games, which will run from February 6 to 22 and begin in Milan's great stadium, football's cathedral of San Siro, in an opening ceremony titled “Armonia,” which means “harmony.”

A cast of about 16 models appeared in this EA7 show, parading through the center of Armani's retail empire, an entire block that includes a huge Emporio boutique, a bookstore, a chocolate shop and a florist. All located above Giorgio's legendary Armani Privé nightclub; and below the six-story Armani Hotel.

Outside, the house projected its new advertising campaign onto the rationalist-era building; Inside, the LED screens read the campaign slogan: “Beyond all limits.”

The models emerge from the basement on an escalator, the first pair brandishing fluorescent lights in the colors of the Italian flag: red, white and green.

Made primarily in black and white, it featured stylish sweatpants with mini side logos; fine, technical fabrics with snow crystal patterns; zip-up sweatshirts with elastic stand-up collars with the national tricolor and plenty of headbands, caps and hats with the essential logo.

They all earned a big round of applause from the local Milanese, including Gianluigi Buffon, Italy's goalkeeper when they won the 2006 World Cup.

“Yes, we wanted a small celebration. It's going to be a beautiful moment for Italy,” chuckled Leo Dell'Orco, Giorgio's right-hand man, who now oversees the house's creative team.

Leo also continued his role as the house's musical maestro, putting together a great soundtrack, including Hirrsh's “Eastern Wind” and French 79 and Kid Francescoli's “Lovin' Feeling.” Proving that Leo is not far behind as a designer.