The 97th Academy Awards took place on Sunday night, gathering Hollywood’s biggest stars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. While Italian cinema had high hopes for the Oscars, the night ended without any wins for Italy.
Isabella Rossellini, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Conclave, lost to Zoe Saldaña, who took home the award for her performance in Emilia Pérez. Italy also missed out in the Best Production Design category, where Cynthia Sleiter’s work on Conclave failed to secure an Oscars win.
Despite the lack of awards, Italian high fashion dominated the red carpet. Ariana Grande stunned in a pale pink Schiaparelli gown, featuring a vast tulle skirt and a corset inspired by an Alberto Giacometti lamp. Italian actress Alba Rohrwacher wore an elegant black Valentino gown adorned with cascading ruffles.
Armani Privé proved a popular choice, with Demi Moore and Felicity Jones embracing old Hollywood glamour in shimmering silver gowns from Giorgio Armani’s haute couture line.
Milan Fashion Week
Meanwhile, Armani himself took centre stage in Milan as his fall-winter 2025-2026 collection closed Milan Fashion Week on Sunday. His latest collection, Roots, focused on harmony and effortless elegance. The eveningwear featured silver gowns with slimline cloaks and veiled layers, while daywear showcased a mix of trousers, from palazzo pants to modern jodhpurs, paired with zigzag blazers and deconstructed coats in Armani’s signature shades of greige. Ethnic-inspired flat shoes provided comfort and confidence to the collection.
Speaking at the event, Armani explained his vision: “I wanted to imagine a new harmony because I think it is what we need. This season, I thought about roots, imagining clothes that take on the colours of earth, minerals, and sun-scorched landscapes.”
The designer’s work was celebrated by an audience that included Italian actresses Margherita Buy, Vittoria Puccini, and Lily James, alongside Holocaust survivor and Italian senator for life, Liliana Segre.
