With a collection steeped in volcanic hues and mineral glows of sun-scorched landscapes, this season’s Giorgio Armani catwalk felt like a journey to the centre of the earth. The palette aligned with House codes while silhouettes and designs offered a sense of newness — think voluminous coats and trouser suits that can go from business casual to dinner date with the addition of an accessory. It was a collection that felt both familiar and fresh, a testament to the designer's ability to reinterpret his own iconic sartorial language on the occasion of his 50th anniversary.
However, Armani's mastery lies not just in colour, but in texture and form. The precision of lines were softened by luxurious fabrics including velvet, cashmere and jacquard silks. The materials possessed a quiet density, the silk trousers, for example, had an almost liquid-like reflection, anchoring the ethereal beauty of the collection. The runway also saw a range of eveningwear, designed with shimmering fabrics and tasteful sequin work, perfect for the more celebratory events on your calendar. The collection was what one could call Armani-core, with iconic silhouettes like the trench and draped trousers also making an appearance, albeit with a contemporary take.
Influences from the Middle and Far East were prominent with gold embroidery, exaggerated trousers and draping contributing to several looks from the collection. The designs, signature to Armani, are at once comfortable and elegant, in-keeping with the needs of the modern woman. What’s more? Adding an extra allure to the shows was the railway-like seating, with attendees sitting in berth-like cubicles as the models sashayed by.
