Charisma, seductive sobriety, authenticity. These are the words that summarize Giorgio Armani’s Pre-Fall collection according to the press notes, but they could easily apply to the designer’s entire oeuvre. Armani’s longevity is built on his rigorous style and firm aesthetic beliefs.
A play between masculine and feminine elements was the backbone of the collection. This stylistic dualism feels utterly contemporary, so much so that it has somehow become commonplace, but Armani did it before anyone else. It surfaced in a double-face cashmere wrap coat, neatly tailored and worn with a silk blouse and short Bermudas, or in an oversize black silk parka paired with fluid, soft velvet pants printed with an abstract motif of fireworks. Touches of kidassia and Mongolian fur highlighted the sensuous vibe. And a dash of chic eccentricity was apparent in a tailored suit, its elongated and fitted leather blazer printed in a snakeskin motif, which was in turn printed over with abstract floral patterns. Paired with cropped checkered pants and worn with pointy booties, the jacket had a classy, modern verve.
