ABSTRACT Art, block colouring and botanical prints were seen on the catwalk in a blossom spring palette as Giorgio Armani presented his SS18 collection. Paintings inspired Armani this season as he unveiled the use of sharp angles and defined lines throughout the jackets and dresses, shoes and skirts to create surrealist looks inspired by high culture.
As each model walked with a jet-black cropped hairstyle complementing the black within the pieces and the darkness of the room, the eyes were commanded to focus on the cubist and floral pink and green patterning that came strong with the collection.
Fresh and invigorating, studying art-styles and re-working them for progressive fashion was a risk for the Italian designer, a risk that fortunately paid off. Slick silvers, lusty reds and splashes of colour within even the most conventional of looks illustrated that Armani isn’t scared of varied colour contrasts. Each design compatible with the next as the exploited idea within the SS18 was inspired by artwork and how it can aid ideas of femininity.
Showing how Giorgio Armani has the ability to be thematic in his designs without being either too obvious or brash, the elegant collection became sweet and subtle while still incorporating masculine features to the clothing, understanding the power of the modern woman. Sketched, shaded and retouched, fashion and art are one of the same, a lesson for all from Milan.
by Joseph Furness