Giorgio Armani’s Academy Museum Gala Looks: From Archival Treasures To Modern Glamour
Giorgio Armani dressed more guests than any other fashion house at Saturday’s 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles and also hosted the after-party. With custom creations, archival treasures and references to the house’s past collections, there was plenty to appreciate across the eight womenswear looks. The menswear will follow separately.
Blue Crush
Sabrina Carpenter wore a custom Giorgio Armani Privé gown inspired by the Spring 2026 collection. As beautiful as the original runway look is, I’m appreciating the higher neckline and this stunning shade of sapphire blue.
The cut-out sides and crystal tassels cascading down the back give the gown an added touch of glamour, and I much prefer Sabrina’s version.
Chopard Magical Setting diamond and blue sapphire earrings completed her look.
Sculptural Romance
Kate Hudson wore a custom Armani Privé blush-pink crinoline bustier gown, inspired by the Spring 2026 collection, with those sweeping crystal-embroidered ruffles that have become something of an Armani Privé signature.
I’m amazed by how such sculptural detailing can appear so soft. The Old Hollywood waves are the perfect finishing touch. This is Kate doing glamour exceptionally well, as we expect.
Christian Louboutin Sandaloo sandals, Harry Winston diamond chandelier earrings, bracelet and four rings completed her look.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Odessa A’zion selected an archival Armani Privé Spring 2017 look, and I already know this won’t be everyone’s favourite.
But these kinds of unconventional, bohemian looks feel so true to her personal style. She consistently gravitates towards unusual pieces and wears them with such conviction that I find myself appreciating looks I might question on someone else.
Between the intricate embroidery, delicate lace and dramatic orange feathers, there’s a lot going on, but Odessa makes it feel entirely natural.
The Spring 2017 collection didn’t receive much love on the red carpet, perhaps because orange featured so heavily throughout. It’s a notoriously tricky colour to pull off, but I love that Odessa has revisited an underappreciated collection and given it a new lease of life.
Animal Instinct
Monica Barbaro and Armani Privé might just be my favourite celebrity-designer pairing right now.
Her custom look, inspired by Fall 2026, features a silhouette we’ve come to associate with her. I love how the animal-print embroidery gives that lush, draped chocolate-brown velvet skirt a little bite. This was another beautiful Armani moment for Monica.
Chopard Haute Joaillerie brown diamond and pearl earrings, plus a pink sapphire ring completed her look.
A Change Of Pace
Coming straight off the back of her colourful press tour for The Love Hypothesis, I wasn’t particularly excited by Lili Reinhart’s archival Giorgio Armani Spring 1995 gown with black micro-beaded floral embroidery.
I’m just not sold on the beige base. It’s a rather underwhelming colour, especially after the vibrant looks we’ve recently seen her wearing. We always appreciate an archival choice, but this is one of those occasions when the dress didn’t quite live up to the occasion.
Rene Caovilla Ellabrita crystal sandals and Pasquale Bruni’s Petit Joli necklace, earrings and rings, plus a Ton Joli ring completed her look.
Betty Boop Energy
Emma Chamberlain was giving me Betty Boop in her custom Armani Privé red glazed silk-jacquard gown, inspired by the Spring 2025 collection.
Between the short curls, the plunging neckline and that glorious shade of red, the reference immediately came to mind. I love the embroidered neckline, and this was such a fun, glamorous direction for Emma. From her Met Gala look to this event, she has been consistently impressing me with her style this year.
Chopard diamond earrings and a ruby and diamond ring completed her look.
Less Is More
Vittoria Ceretti wore a custom Giorgio Armani ivory silk-satin gown inspired by the Fall 1995 collection.
The model was here to remind us how refreshing it can be to see a dress this simple among so many embellished creations. Sometimes, a beautifully cut gown and stunning Fie Isolde really are enough.
Think Pink
Emily Bader also went the simple but vibrant route in a pink Giorgio Armani Spring 1999 gown. The colour is hypnotic, but this dress was crying out for a pair of platforms. A little extra height would have made all the difference to the length and overall silhouette.
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