By Precious Omolu

Copyright pulse

At the show’s close, a moment of ritual delivered a powerful emotional punch. Agnese Zogla, one of Armani’s favourite models, walked solo in an elegant blue gown. Then, Armani’s niece Silvana and his life and business partner Leo Dell’Orco, who head the women’s and men’s design lines, respectively, greeted the audience.

Among the guests was film director Spike Lee, who was gracious to be asked: “I’m humbled that we were invited to come back to Milano to celebrate his excellency.” Cate Blanchett made a personal remark: “Apart from being an incredible designer, he was a humanitarian. He was an incredible philanthropist.” Their words elevated the show above fashion into values and humanity.