GIORGIO ARMANI PRIVE’ SHOW 2012
What does the word metamorphosis evoke? The surrealist novel by Kafka? The natural process by which an insect transforms? Something magical and spectacular, yet special and rare?
Haute couture, which is fashion’s highest expression, is all of the above. Like nothing else a designer does, creating haute couture pieces gives an artist like Giorgio Armani the opportunity to express a sense of whimsy and poetry, transformation and dreaminess. And yesterday’s Armani Privé show in Paris– entitled, of course, “Metamorphosis” – was nothing short of breathtaking.
“Haute couture should be alluring,” says Mr. Armani, “and by definition, it isn’t democratic. These materials, which play a big part in determining the price of a garment, have been specifically invented to give special effects. And my clients go mad for them.” The Paris show attracted actresses like Cameron Diaz, Ruth Wilson and Olivia Palermo; and there was an unplanned moment of joy when one of the attendees, American actress Jessica Chastain, learned that she’d been nominated for an Academy Award for her role in The Help. Take our word for it, you’ll hear a lot more of her name, and you’ll see a lot more of her…perhaps in Armani?
But back to the clothes, which, rightly, were the true stars of the show. The collection, while varied and multi-dimensional, was built around two separate themes, nature and neon. The concept of nature was represented by the fabrics themselves – almost reptilian in texture, they struck a note somewhere between a snakeskin, fish scales and incandescence. And forget everything you ever thought about neon: Mr. Armani charmed and surprised with unexpected shades like yellow chartreuse or absinthe green, which ran through the entire collection and are more daring than the what is usually seen on the red carpet. But that’s not to say there weren’t plenty of scene-stealing looks to enchant the boldest and chicest of Hollywood divas.
There were statement silhouettes like giant pod-capes, oversized shoulders and egg-shaped skirts. But Giorgio also gave cues to downplay the drama with ultra-constructed and precious jackets thrown over the shoulders as if it were a simple cardigan. Perfectly thought-out skirt and trouser suits appeared to be constructed from separate pieces, but the mix and match tones were all part of a impeccable palette and topped with skinny, swirled headpieces from Philip Treacy.
Take a look at our gallery from the collection. And remember where you saw these first. Red carpet season is just around the corner. Who will be the first to charm us in chartreuse?
