A designer’s tribute to Milan
Hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, a seasoned fashion designer presented his couture collection as an homage to the city, writes
THE Covid-19 pandemic may have upended the fashion industry and its show-stopping parades during fashion weeks but for veteran designer Giorgio Armani, it has allowed him to take his virtual guests into the heart of his designs.
For the first time, Armani presented his Prive Collection from Atpalazzo Orsini, the heart of his Milanese atelier where his clothes are conceived and have taken shape.
“Couture to me represents risk and requires courage,” says the 86-year-old Italian designer.
“It also displays a desire to experiment, on the part of the designer and also the wearer. Armani Privé is, however, still an Armani collection, so you will see that it is elegant and refined in terms of aesthetics.”
Fans can sense a desire for perfection and a pleasure taken in light and colours, and the result conveys the profound aesthetics of haute couture to a younger generation.
SHOW OF SUPPORT
Armani says he wants to show his support and make a statement about the love for his hometown, which had been hit hard by the pandemic.
“That’s the reason I decided to present Armani Privé in Milan at Palazzo Orsini. My couture ateliers have been working hard for many months on a new collection. I believe it is right and proper to show this to the world, even if that is via a screen rather than in-person,” he says.
The show took place behind closed doors without an audience, and was streamed as part of the Paris Haute Couture calendar.
Making a balanced use of fluidity and proportion, opposites alternate and merge. Jackets are designed to skim the body while embroidered slip dresses feature alongside satin tunics and voluminous dresses, covered with crystals.
The colour palette ranges from magenta red and aqua green to cobalt blue and grey. The glow of micro-crystals shines over everything — emblematic of the craftsmanship of these clothes.
AWAY FROM FLEETING TRENDS
Armani says the collection is a very special tribute to the city, telling the story of his journey, sense of freedom and independence from fleeting trends.
“The clothes are full of light and colour, with a balanced use of fluidity and proportions, where opposites alternate and merge, always with an eye on craftsmanship and careful execution.”
This is a continuation of the designer’s relationship with the general audience, who were able to experience the magic of fashion as they did in 2007, when, for the first time, they were able to attend the Armani Privé fashion show, live-streamed from Paris.
“Couture is rooted in fashion history. It represents the pinnacle of creativity and sartorial skill, but is a world available only to the very few. Today, with the democracy of the Internet, we are able to offer a front row seat to everyone,” the designer says.