(Photo Source: YouTube)
Bringing folklore and fringe to the runway
For the Armani Privé Spring 2020 couture collection, Giorgio Armani served up some unexpected departures from what we’ve come to expect from him, albeit packaged in a very safe and highly-digestible gift of desired decadence.
As a central theme, the Italian designer turned to ikat, the Indonesian dying technique that infused the garments with rich and pleasing patterns in punchy hues. The designer’s famously adored ‘greige’ (a mix between gray and beige) made space for rich cobalt, seductive pink and burnt orange, among others, displayed over curvy patterns, tulle overlays, beadings, crystal fringes, embroidered inlays, and lace.
The runway story started to unfold with a focus on pants, spelling out equal amounts of ease and comfort and incredible craftsmanship and glamour. The cut was much less structured from what is usually the Armani way, instead, they were gathered, with ankle hems and even though they were made out of heavy silks in rich jewel tones, they somehow could pass for haute couture sweatpants.
The ikat patterns were soon joined by a floral motif or two, the mixing of colors got more intense as did the, arguably, not very Armani-esque mismatching of top and bottom when it comes to suits.
The eveningwear, however, felt very familiar, in a sense that the glorious gowns flowing along could immediately be imagined on the Hollywood A-list ladies and other high-profilers who will proudly be showcasing them on red carpets, galas, festivals and any other occasion that requires such bold and unapologetic dominance of the domain.
Some strapless, some topped with camisoles, others with embellished bustiers, many of the richly-hued dresses relied on a seemingly heavy-favored fringe, which is taking up a high ranking spot as a decor tool for many upcoming collections.
