Giorgio Armani and ERL Revisit Fashion History for the Next Armani/Archivio Chapter

Blending heritage craftsmanship with Californian irreverence, the collaboration sees Eli Russell Linnetz reinterpret archival Armani designs.

Eli Russell Linnetz/ Courtesy Of Armani Archivio

Giorgio Armani has formally launched the second installment of Armani/Archivio, appointing American designer, artist, and filmmaker Eli Russell Linnetz to lead its new campaign. Launching in Milan during the 2026 Milan Design Week, the initiative exemplifies the brand's commitment to safeguarding and reinterpreting its basic past for contemporary audiences.

The cultural demand for archival clothes has reached unprecedented levels, transitioning from niche Grailed hunting to a central influence on the worldwide menswear discourse. Giorgio Armani is embracing this revival by meticulously recreating thirteen iconic men’s and women’s ensembles sourced directly from his collections spanning 1979 to 1994. By collaborating with Linnetz, a creative whose ERL label embodies a unique form of Californian transgression, Armani is infusing a disruptive vitality into its most revered clothing. Linnetz styled and photographed the whole campaign, using his own hyper-visual aesthetic to products that established the foundation for modern luxury.

Eli Russell Linnetz/ Courtesy Of Armani Archivio

Linnetz remarked, “Mr. Armani is among the preeminent artists of our era,” in reference to the cooperation. “He transformed our daily existence and aspirations, and his legacy continues to impart lessons to us all.” The archivio pieces retain their vitality, as if freshly created, due to the designer's intention for enduring significance - seeming deceptively simple on the rack, the garments metamorphose on the body, akin to magic. As a designer, engaging with these garments and comprehending their construction has been both an invaluable education and a privilege. Additionally, photographing them, as part of the esteemed heritage of photographers within the Armani world, is an honour I will cherish for an extended period.

The thirteen replicated styles are accessible online and at select Giorgio Armani shops. Fans can anticipate a series of exclusive in-store activations at the Via Sant’Andrea boutique, featuring invitation-only discussions with experts in archiving and museology, DJ performances, workshops, and various programming events.