The Italian fashion giant Gucci has long stood as a symbol of timeless elegance, but recent years have seen the house struggling with what many critics called “flatlining creativity.” After the departure of Sabato de Sarno, whose quiet and understated vision failed to ignite excitement, the brand has made a radical pivot by appointing Demna — a designer best known for his headline-grabbing stunts at Balenciaga.

And Demna wasted no time making a statement. Instead of a conventional runway, Gucci’s Milan fashion week debut took the form of a short film directed by Spike Jonze and Halina Reijn. The film starred Demi Moore as Barbara Gucci, a fictional “President of Gucci and of the State of California,” blending satire, cinema, and fashion in a way that captured both spectacle and self-awareness. It was less about a typical catwalk and more about storytelling, a narrative that echoed Gucci’s own history as a family brand full of drama, dysfunction, and dazzling style.

For Demna, this wasn’t just about clothes. “If Gucci was a person, it would have a decisive and daring character, someone fun but intelligent with a strong point of view,” he explained at the premiere in Milan’s stock exchange, sipping non-alcoholic champagne alongside his mother. His comment revealed a crucial shift: Gucci must now become more than its products — it must embody personality, tension, and cultural edge.

The new collection featured 37 looks, instantly available in select Gucci stores worldwide, including London’s Bond Street. While Demna has brought a fresh attitude, he hasn’t abandoned Gucci’s DNA. Bamboo-handled handbags, silk blouses, and iconic scarves remain, but they are now layered with a playful duality — conservative yet provocative, bourgeois yet rebellious. His headscarves, for example, nod to both Jackie Onassis and Eastern European street fashion. Logos that once appeared restrained now flash with a trashy boldness, a wink to Demna’s Balenciaga past.

Gucci’s paradox has always been its ability to balance its conservative base — the loafer is arguably the most sensible high-fashion item ever made — with moments of cultural disruption. Tom Ford made Gucci famous in the 1990s with his provocative, almost X-rated campaigns. Alessandro Michele redefined its identity through androgyny and gender-fluid styles. Now, with sales dropping by 25% in the last quarter for parent company Kering, the need for reinvention is critical.

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Demna’s debut may not yet prove whether he will save Gucci, but it does signal one thing: the house is ready to embrace risk again. By weaving fashion into narrative cinema and redefining its cultural presence, Gucci has re-entered the conversation. Whether this becomes the renaissance the brand needs or simply a flashy detour will depend on how audiences and consumers respond over the coming months.

One thing is certain — Gucci is no longer content to play it safe.

Milan — Employees of late fashion icon Giorgio Armani described him as “like a father” as they bid farewell to the designer whose vision reshaped the global style industry. Armani, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 91, leaves behind not just a fashion empire but a deeply personal bond with those who worked alongside him for decades.

“For all of us, he was like a father, that I can tell you,” said former employee Ornella Gagliolo, who joined other retired staff in paying respects at Armani’s headquarters in Milan. The wooden casket, adorned with white roses and surrounded by dozens of lanterns, became a solemn stage inside the vast exhibition space where his famous catwalks were once held.

A final farewell in Milan

The outpouring of grief following Armani’s death has been immense. From Hollywood stars to Italian political figures, the tributes underline his place not just in fashion but in cultural history.

Among mourners were Santo Versace, brother of the late Gianni Versace, former AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini, and ex-Italian prime minister Mario Monti. Armani’s niece Silvana Armani, who worked closely with him for years, was also present, symbolizing the family continuity expected to guide the brand forward.

The funeral will be held privately in northern Italy on Monday, keeping in line with the designer’s preference for elegance and simplicity.

A father figure beyond the runway

Armani’s staff describe him not as a distant mogul, but as a mentor and protector. Many said working for him was a “privilege” and an “honor,” highlighting how his leadership style went beyond the demands of haute couture.

His empire spanned everything from haute couture to ready-to-wear fashion, perfumes, and even home furnishings. Yet those closest to him insist his most enduring legacy was how he nurtured the people around him.

“He gave us discipline, he gave us pride in our work,” one former seamstress recalled. “But he also gave us kindness, the kind that stays in your heart.”

The empire he leaves behind

Over more than five decades, Armani transformed his name into a symbol of elegant simplicity. His vision stripped away unnecessary flamboyance, giving rise to timeless minimalism that became the hallmark of modern Italian fashion.

His influence extended far beyond Milan. From Hollywood red carpets to global sporting arenas, Armani’s suits and gowns became synonymous with sophistication. Celebrities such as Richard Gere and Cate Blanchett famously wore his designs, further cementing his reputation as the designer of choice for the world’s elite.

Though he had no children, Armani left his brand in the hands of trusted family members and confidants. Insiders say this tight-knit circle is expected to continue running the empire, safeguarding the values of discipline and refinement he held dear.

Global tributes pour in

From Los Angeles to Paris, social media was flooded with tributes. Fans and celebrities remembered Armani not just as a designer but as a cultural architect who changed the way people thought about clothes.

Luxury houses like Prada, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana issued statements of respect, acknowledging Armani’s role in keeping Italy at the heart of fashion innovation.

Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti described him as “a great ambassador of Italy, who showed the world that elegance and simplicity can co-exist.”

A legacy beyond fashion

Armani was known for his precision and strict control over his brand, but also for his philanthropy. Over the years, he contributed to humanitarian efforts, cultural preservation, and sports sponsorships, including his long-standing support for AC Milan.

For many Italians, Armani embodied the resilience of post-war Italy—rising from modest beginnings in Piacenza to dominate the international stage.

As his coffin left the Milan headquarters, employees whispered tearful goodbyes. To them, he was not just a boss, but a man who became family.

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Cole Escola may be best known for their fearless stage presence and absurdist humor, but behind the glitter and theatrical brilliance is a quietly growing fortune. As of 2025, the estimated net worth of Cole Escola stands between $1 million to $2 million, reflecting their evolution from underground comedy performer to Tony-nominated Broadway powerhouse.

Unlike traditional celebrity success stories, Escola’s rise to fame has been rooted in originality rather than mainstream formulas. Starting with cult-followed sketch work on shows like Difficult People and At Home with Amy Sedaris, they built a loyal fanbase with their signature blend of camp, chaos, and cutting wit. While these early projects didn’t rake in massive paychecks, they established Escola as a creative force with staying power.

The game-changer came with Oh, Mary!, the absurdist Broadway hit which Escola not only starred in but also wrote and co-created. The play’s unexpected success — earning Escola a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play — has led to a significant spike in their market value, industry credibility, and yes, financial earnings.

Industry sources suggest that the income from Broadway performances, royalties, and licensing rights from Oh, Mary! has substantially increased Escola’s yearly income, with estimates ranging between $300,000 to $500,000 from stage-related revenue alone in 2024–2025. Additional earnings from appearances, speaking engagements, and fashion collaborations — like their headline-grabbing 2025 Tony Awards red carpet look — further add to their growing financial portfolio.

What sets Escola apart in the financial landscape is their ability to blend commercial viability with artistic integrity. They have remained selective with roles and partnerships, often turning down big network gigs in favor of projects that align with their unique voice and identity — a move that has earned both critical acclaim and respect in artistic circles.

Though not yet in the multi-millionaire bracket of Hollywood elites, Cole Escola’s net worth is steadily rising, propelled by smart career choices and creative control. With more original works reportedly in development and industry doors opening wider than ever, analysts expect their net worth to double in the next two years if current momentum continues.

In a world where fame often comes with compromise, Cole Escola is proof that you can build wealth on your own terms — one outrageous monologue, perfectly timed punchline, and fearless performance at a time.