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Add Texture to GoogleThe Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan’s “salon” where the historic glass roof soars above the marble mosaics, is set to become the stage for a major aesthetic showdown. On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. CEST, the Lombard capital will kick off the Spring/Summer 2027 Women’s Fashion Week with the fifth edition of Vogue World. Following New York, London, Paris, and Hollywood, this Milan edition is centered around a strong conceptual theme: “Where The Future Is Made By The Hand.” It is a visual exploration of the tension and synergy between traditional “Made in Italy” craftsmanship and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics.
The show, orchestrated under the general direction of Anna Wintour and Francesca Ragazzi, head of editorial content at Vogue Italia, promises to be a 38-minute living tableau. Executive production has been entrusted to Marco Balich, founder of Balich Wonder Studios and creative director of the opening and closing ceremonies for the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. This collaboration underscores the event’s ambition: to transform a fashion show into a multidisciplinary performance where choreography, classical music, and pop culture merge under the artistic direction of Juan Costa Paz.
A Global, Free Digital Experience
While physical access to the Galleria is strictly reserved for a select group of guests and industry professionals—with no tickets available to the general public—the event is designed for full digital accessibility. The live broadcast will begin precisely at 8:00 p.m. in Milan and Paris (which is 2:00 p.m. in New York and 11:00 a.m. on the U.S. West Coast). This video stream will be available for free and without a subscription on several global digital platforms. Viewers will be able to watch the show on the dedicated hub on Vogue.com, as well as on the websites of several international editions—notably in Italy and the Arab world—or via the GQ platform.
A simultaneous broadcast is also scheduled on Vogue’s official YouTube channel, allowing for real-time interaction with the global audience. For those unable to watch the live stream, the entire performance will be immediately available on-demand on these same channels. This decision to offer free digital access contrasts with the exclusivity of the red carpet, where rumors suggest unofficial black-market negotiations have reached $110,000 for an invitation, although the organizers reiterate that no tickets have been officially sold.
Craftsmanship vs. Artificial Intelligence
This year’s theme, “Where The Future Is Made By The Hand,” places the artisan’s craft at the heart of the narrative, while pitting it against the tools of tomorrow. Lady Amanda Harlech, the fashion director, has structured the show into five distinct acts, featuring more than 360 models and performers. Gigi Hadid will open the show, marking the start of a procession featuring Vittoria Ceretti, Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B, and Machine Gun Kelly. The staging will incorporate technological elements, notably robots appearing on the runway. However, beyond the visual effects created by AI, technical reports indicate that these are pre-programmed or remote-controlled units rather than autonomous systems operated in real time by artificial intelligence.
The Italian cultural dimension will be highlighted by moments of classical grace. Roberto Bolle, principal dancer at La Scala, will perform a solo to an excerpt from *La Traviata*, accompanied by a choir of about 100 children from the Accademia Teatro alla Scala. This celebration of artistic transmission will conclude with a performance by Alicia Keys, who will cover Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love,” a hymn that is both futuristic and timeless.
The “Memory Dresses” and Textile Heritage
The stylistic highlight of the evening will be the presentation of eight “Memory Dresses,” heritage pieces designed specifically for the occasion by Italy’s leading fashion houses: Armani Privé, Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Ferragamo, Gucci, Prada, and Valentino. These creations embody the textile heritage and artisanal craftsmanship that the event aims to preserve in the face of automation. The finale will take place amid a shower of 6,000 delicate origami pieces, designed by the creative collective LoveFrom.
Beyond the show, Vogue World 2026 is part of a local philanthropic initiative. The funds raised—announced to total $3,000,000 (approximately €2,650,000)—will be donated in full to the City of Milan to finance the renovation and modernization of the Quarto Oggiaro municipal library. This philanthropic project, which exceeded the initially guaranteed minimum amount of 2 million euros, aims to leave a tangible mark on Milan’s social fabric long after the spotlight fades.
Extensions at the Palazzo dei Giureconsulti
For the public attending in person in Milan, a complementary event has been organized at the Palazzo dei Giureconsulti, located on Piazza dei Mercanti. From September 24 to 26, 2026, the “Vogue Café Milano” will open its doors free of charge. This temporary space will allow visitors to view footage from the show and immerse themselves in the world of this fifth edition without the need for a ticket. This initiative, supported by the city’s promotional organizations such as Milano&Partners, serves as a bridge between the private event and the urban space, extending the conversation on the future of Italian creativity.