PRESENTING a “a repertoire of possibilities” for women, Emporio Armani debuts his AW19 collection at MFW. Featuring oversized jackets, velvet trousers, and an abundance of berets, the godfather of Italian fashion encompasses classic chic in his latest collection. Showcased on a black runway, with the iconic Armani logo displayed in red neon lighting, the shows setting reflected the subdued sophistication of Armani’s designs.
Drawing inspiration from ‘80s styles and vintage Armani collections, the collection incorporates wide-shouldered silhouettes, wide-lapelled blazer jackets and a-line mini-dresses. Playing with different shapes and silhouettes, Armani experiments with the possibilities of ‘80s outerwear and styling, from bomber-jackets to macs to trenches. In addition to outwear, accessories are a hallmark of the collection, in particular the berets which grace almost every look. Understated yet cosmopolitan, the berets are finished with detailed embroidery and embellishment. Oversized coloured sunglasses are another essential 80s’ piece in the collection, reinvented with a contemporary edge, Armani experiments with the eras greatest accessory pieces.
The colour palette transitions throughout the show, panning from neutrals, to monochromes, to vivid reds. Here, Armani explores the different facets and capabilities of Italian style, juxtaposing different colours, patterns, and textures together to present the vast variations of Armani. Red becomes a particular focus of the collection, a symbol of love, lust, and romance, the colour embodies the main themes of the collection.
A cascade of colour, embellishments, and embroidery, Armani relives one of the greatest eras of fashion with his fall collection. Prepare to fall in love with the 1980s.
by Emma Hart