Giorgio Armani postponed its presentation this season due to concerns over the coronavirus COVID-19. In these extenuating circumstances, Vogue has made an exception to its policy and is writing about this collection from photos.
At the end of this Giorgio Armani show, the swooning notes of Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody On a Theme of Paganini” played as 12 willowy Chinese models came onto the floor of the theatre. They were wearing archive pieces from Armani’s couture spring privé collections from 2009 and 2019, both of which were inspired by China; this was a statement of sympathy and solidarity. Then, Mr. Armani came out in his regulation runway uniform to lift one hand in the air and then raise both arms to his sides in acknowledgment of his audience.
Except, of course, his audience wasn’t there. Mr. Armani decided to spare his guests the hazards of mutual proximity out of fear of the coronavirus, a decision that proved divisive in Milan today. However, considering that this evening’s games featuring local Serie A soccer teams were cancelled, and that the schools in this city are closed for the next week, it was not inconsistent with the mood of extreme caution currently prevailing in Lombardy.
Digital media has become a key transmitter of fashion, but nothing really compares to being there. Through my phone screen, I can see that this was a powerfully Armanian show—lots of black velvet punctuated with floral camouflage and glitter. It is also interesting to see the view from the camera booms that usually swoop over our heads in the gloom of the theatre. Here’s hoping that next season, we will be back with Mr. Armani to see it for ourselves.
