A Return to Authentic Elegance
Discover Giorgio Armani’s Fall/Winter 2025-26 “Roots” womenswear collection – earthy colors, velvet and cashmere fabrics, delicate embroidery, beaded hats and refined tailoring. A timeless, sophisticated wardrobe inspired by nature and culture.
Introduction
The Giorgio Armani Fall/Winter 2025-26 “Roots” collection marks one of the most memorable moments in recent fashion history. Presented in Milan with Giorgio Armani himself appearing on stage, the show stands as both a celebration of his enduring style and a symbolic farewell.
Drawing inspiration from sun-scorched landscapes, mineral tones and diverse cultural traditions, “Roots” offers a wardrobe of understated luxury that is at once contemporary and timeless.
Inspiration and Theme: Back to the Foundations
“Roots”: authenticity and continuity
The name “Roots” is more than a title; it expresses a deliberate return to the foundational elements of Armani’s style. It signals authenticity, reality and evolution anchored in the brand’s DNA – soft tailoring, refined simplicity and meticulous craftsmanship.
Natural elements and landscapes
From its volcanic hues to its mineral glows, the collection channels the natural world. Armani’s design team evoked sun-baked earth, desert winds and mineral reflections, creating textures and shades that feel organic yet polished. This dialogue between nature and couture underscores the timeless appeal of Armani’s vision.
Colour Palette: Mineral Hues and Earthy Elegance
The colour story of “Roots” plays a pivotal role in the collection’s identity. Instead of bright or synthetic tones, Armani favours nuanced, tactile shades:
- Volcanic and mineral hues – earthy warmth with subtle shimmer.
- Golden and sandy beige – reminiscent of sunlit dunes.
- Deep browns with hints of green – echoing forests and fertile soil.
- Quartz-blue reflections – a cool mineral counterpoint to warm neutrals.
- Greige (grey-beige) – the brand’s signature understated neutral.
This restrained yet rich palette reinforces the collection’s link to the earth and complements the tactile quality of the fabrics.
Fabrics and Textures: Soft, Dense, and Hand-Embellished
Core fabrics
Armani builds “Roots” on a base of velvet, cashmere and jacquard silk, chosen for their density, warmth and luxurious touch. Faux-fur trims and discreet leather details appear throughout, adding contrast and depth.
Delicate embroidery and beading
Beyond the choice of fabrics, what elevates “Roots” are the hand-crafted embellishments. Many coats, dresses and evening pieces feature micro-bead embroidery subtle crystal work executed with couture-level precision. These embellishments catch the light without overwhelming the minimalist silhouettes – a perfect example of understated glamour.
Tactile storytelling
By combining tactile fabrics with hand-worked detail, Armani bridges heritage techniques modern minimalism. The garments feel rooted in craftsmanship while projecting effortless sophistication.
Silhouettes and Key Pieces: Fluidity Meets Precision
Fluid silk trouser suits
Armani’s hallmark of soft tailoring appears in fluid silk trouser suits that move with the body. They provide both comfort and elegance, embodying the “effortless” ideal at the heart of the brand.
Deconstructed yet refined coats
Outerwear is another highlight. Coats are deconstructed – with relaxed shoulders and easy lines – yet retain a luxurious, polished quality. They serve as versatile staples, wearable from day to evening.
Precision-tailored jackets
Even within this softened approach, precision remains key. Jackets and blazers are cut with impeccable structure, offering natural grace while maintaining Armani’s reputation for flawless fit.
Cultural references
Silhouettes blend influences from the Orient and the South, subtly referencing draping techniques, wrap closures and artisanal motifs. These cross-cultural nods enrich the narrative of “Roots” without straying from the brand’s clean aesthetic.
Accessories: Beaded Hats and Natural-Inspired Details
The accessories in “Roots” echo the collection’s earthy narrative. Hats crafted from felt, wool and velvet are delicately beaded along their brims or crowns, creating a soft sparkle reminiscent of mineral dust.
Handbags feature textured leathers or woven finishes, while belts remain simple, often in matte leather, to maintain focus on the silhouettes. Jewellery is minimal – stones set in clean metal lines – complementing the natural theme.
These accessories do more than complete the looks; they extend the story of “Roots” into every detail, reinforcing the connection to heritage and craftsmanship.
Armani’s Presence at the Show: A Symbolic Farewell
For many observers, Giorgio Armani’s appearance at the end of this show was profoundly moving. After months of fragile health and several missed events, he chose to make a final bow at “Roots,” underscoring his personal connection to the collection.
This moment was widely interpreted as his last runway appearance, a conscious decision to close his public fashion chapter on a note of authenticity and gratitude. Videos released on the official Armani website and social channels immortalise this farewell, ensuring “Roots” holds a special place in the brand’s history.
Overall Impression: Understated Yet Sophisticated
The “Roots” collection exemplifies Armani’s philosophy: luxury without ostentation. With its mineral palette, dense fabrics, delicate beading and culturally informed silhouettes, the line delivers a wardrobe that is timeless, versatile and effortlessly elegant.
It is a collection designed to complement the wearer rather than overpower them – a concept central to Armani’s legacy and one that continues to resonate with a global audience seeking authenticity and refinement.
