Milan Uomo Moda: EA7 fetes Milano Cortina 2026

The kickiest, and most fun show so far this season was EA7 – a snappy runway event that took over a main thoroughfare of via Manzoni, blocking traffic, luring hundreds of fans and finally bringing to live a somnolent fashion season.

It felt both like an affirmation that the house of Giorgio Armani is very active – four months after the passing of the great fashion designer. And of Italian pride as the country prepares to host the Milano Cortina 2026, the Winter Olympic Games next month.
 
Emporio Armani’s EA7 will attire every Italian athlete all the disciplines in the games, which runs from February 6 to 22  and kicks in Milan’s great stadium, the cathedral of soccer San Siro, in an opening ceremony entitled “Armonia” – meaning “Harmony“. 

A cast of some 16 models appeared in this EA7 show, marching around the center of the Armani retail empire, a whole city block that includes a huge Emporio boutique, bookshop, chocolate store and flower shop. All located over Giorgio’s legendary nightclub Armani Privé; and underneath the six story Armani Hotel.
 
Outside, the house projected its new ad campaign on the Rationalist-era building, inside the LED screens read the campaign’s motto – “Beyond Every Limit”.
 
The models emerging up from the basement on an escalator, the first pair brandishing fluorescent lights in the colors of the Italian flag – red, white and green.

 
Made mainly in black and white it featured sleek track pants with mini side logos; slim techy knits with snow crystal patterns; zippered hoodies with elastic funnel necks in the national tricolor, and lots of must-have logo headbands, caps and beanies.  
 
All winning huge applause from local Milanese, including Gianluigi Buffon, Italy’s goalkeeper when they won 2006 World Cup.
 
“Yes, we wanted a little celebration. It’s going to be a beautiful moment for Italy,” chuckled Leo Dell’Orco, Giorgio’s right hand man, who now oversees the creative team at the house.
 
Leo also continued his role as music master of the house, putting together a great soundtrack, including “Eastern Wind” by Hirrsh and “Lovin’ Feeling” by French 79 and Kid Francescoli. Proving that Leo is no slouch as either designer.