During a recent runway event at Giorgio Armani’s historic headquarters in Milan, the designer’s legacy was celebrated, followed by a garden dinner with celebrity friends and business associates. As the Giorgio Armani Foundation seeks a buyer for a 15% stake in the fashion group, every show underscores that Armani’s creative vision endures and evolves.
Silvana Armani, head of womenswear design and Armani’s niece, stated, “We tried to continue the message that he wanted to convey.” The co-ed show closed Milan Fashion Week, showcasing clothing intended for everyday wear.
Real Clothes, Real People
The Giorgio Armani menswear collection for next summer, combined with womenswear cruise looks, presented Armani’s signature nonchalance in both silhouette and model gestures. One model fiddled with a ring, another casually slung a jacket over his shoulder. The designs included elongated jackets and slimmer trousers that balanced the silhouette. Observers noted the collection’s focus on depicting real people ready for social outings rather than models on a runway.
Mediterranean Mood
Safari jackets and elongated blazers layered with shawl-collar vests or stylish shirts created a sense of Mediterranean leisure. Colors such as sun-bleached greens, cobalt blues, and sandy neutrals combined with fabrics like linen, cotton, and textured knits reinforced a relaxed summer theme. Women’s cruise looks, designed by Silvana Armani, seamlessly integrated jackets, coats, and dresses that lightly draped the figure.
Menswear designer Leo Dell’Orco remarked, “I think he would have applauded.” The front row featured actors Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mark Strong, Lucy Boynton, and pop singer Conan Gray. Guests such as director Paolo Sorrentino and former Gucci CEO Marco Bizzarri later moved to the venue’s garden for a casual cocktail dinner.
The Next Chapter
Armani’s will directed heirs to sell a 15% stake in the company, including the Emporio Armani label, Armani/Casa, and Armani Hotels, within 18 months of his death last September. Silvana Armani and Dell’Orco, his long-time collaborators, continue to uphold his creative legacy. Dell’Orco, also chairman of the foundation, holds a significant 40% of the fashion group’s voting rights.
After the show, Dell’Orco denied reports of Dario Vitale joining Emporio Armani after leaving Versace, stating, “The reports are not true,” to ANSA news agency.
Leave a Reply