February 24, 2020 |
It was an emergency response to a serious global situation, but could the Giorgio Armani show be a glimpse of fashion’s future? As Coronavirus fear swept Italy, Giorgio Armani cancelled his fashion show. The shock announcement came at around 2am with the fashion pack waking up to the news on the day of the show. Instead of the usual packed event, Mr Armani held his catwalk show at the appointed time in his Teatro, in an empty auditorium. However? The whole event was live-streamed to the world via the brand’s social channels.
Everyone who desires it, had a front row seat to this unique Armani experience and while we missed the live experience, the lingering shots of a live feed allowed the audience to see every detail.
Armani’s precision cuts dominated. Epaulettes and frogging appeared on short cavalry jackets, but despite the military inspiration, the looks were rendered in supple velvets and vivid silks. It was utterly feminine.
Strong shoulders and soft fabrics gave the new Armani look a defined yet fluid silhouette. The designer threw in a few surprise with knickerbockers tucked into tall boots. In what the designer called “a message of love” to China, at the end of the show, Mr Armani sent out couture pieces from his SS09 and SS19 collections which were both inspired by the country. It was a heartfelt gesture, but Armani is a statesman. The show was a fine example of making the best of a bad situation.
Photographs by Jason Lloyd-Evans.
