Milan is set to become the epicenter of the fashion world this fall, as marks the date for Vogue World 2026. The event, dubbed the “Olympics of fashion” by both Anna Wintour and Italian Olympic athlete Arianna Fontana, will unfold within the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a stunning 19th-century arcade located between La Scala opera house and the Duomo cathedral.
The location was revealed today by Wintour, Condé Nast’s chief content officer and global editorial director of Vogue, at a launch event hosted by Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala. Wintour spoke warmly of her decades-long relationship with the city, stating, “Coming to this city a few times a year for the past several decades has been one of the great pleasures of my life. This place — in its history and its refinement, but also in its creativity and warmth — is what the best of fashion is about.”
This fifth iteration of Vogue World promises to be a celebration of “the power of international craft,” particularly relevant, Wintour noted, “at a time when cultural exchange feels more important than ever.” The event builds on the success of previous editions held in New York, London, Paris, and Los Angeles, which collectively raised over $7 million for local charities supporting creative education and community initiatives.
The Milan edition will continue this philanthropic tradition, directing funds towards initiatives that bolster local craft, design capabilities, and cultural preservation within the city. Wintour emphasized Vogue’s commitment to supporting the Municipality of Milan through a dedicated contribution, with a committee of Milan-based institutions advising on the allocation of funds.
The launch event drew a constellation of Italian fashion luminaries. Francesca Ragazzi, head of editorial content at Vogue Italia, joined Wintour in presenting the plans. Industry leaders in attendance included Lorenzo Bertelli of Prada, Alessandro Michele of Valentino, and principal dancer Roberto Bolle of La Scala. A significant contingent of business executives – Diego Della Valle, Renzo Rosso, Remo Ruffini, Gildo Zegna, Carolina Cucinelli, and Frédéric Arnault – were also present, alongside designers such as Marco de Vincenzo, Fausto Puglisi, Rocco Iannone, Maximilian Davis, Francesco Risso, Margherita Maccapani Missoni, Sabato De Sarno, and David Koma.
Beyond the fashion establishment, the guest list included model Bianca Balti, musician Ghali, and Arianna Fontana, Italy’s most decorated Olympian with 14 medals. It was Fontana’s athletic achievement that prompted Wintour’s comparison of Vogue World to the Olympic Games, framing it as a “global convening for the best in our field.”
Mayor Sala echoed the sentiment, describing Vogue World as a “double honor” for Milan. He highlighted the economic impact of the fashion companies represented in the room and the opportunity to invest in local causes through the event’s fundraising efforts. The partnership between Vogue World and the city underscores the importance of collaboration in bringing such large-scale events to fruition.
The event’s theme, “Where The Future Is Made By The Hand,” sparked discussion among attendees. Alessandro Michele of Valentino spoke of the “emotional space” fashion occupies within Milan’s cultural landscape, positioning the theme as an exploration of the interplay between Italy’s rich tradition of artisanal craftsmanship – fatto a mano – and the emerging potential of artificial intelligence. He likened the development of AI to the revolutionary impact of the Gutenberg Press.
Lorenzo Bertelli of Prada also addressed the role of AI in the fashion industry, emphasizing that it should be viewed as a tool to enhance expertise rather than replace it. “When we speak about artificial intelligence or automation, we are not talking about replacing expertise, but about creating better tools,” he stated. Bertelli further highlighted sustainability as a key driver of innovation within the Italian fashion industry and at the Prada Group.
Vogue World 2026 is poised to be a significant moment for Milan, not only as a showcase of global fashion but also as a catalyst for cultural and economic investment within the city. The event’s commitment to supporting local initiatives and celebrating both tradition and innovation positions it as a unique and impactful addition to Milan Fashion Week.
