Photography | Giorgio Armani
In a fashion world governed by the seasons, Giorgio Armani announced last May that his latest haute couture collection would be “seasonless”.
True to his word, lush velvet appeared alongside ephemeral organza and tulle; delicate slip dresses followed by structured pinstripe. The palette ranged from spring aqua to summer cobalt, autumnal magenta to winter Prussian blue.Tying together this seeming discord is a glow—micro-crystals and sequins seem to glaze every garment, adding a new dimension of light and colour.
There is also ample play on proportions. Body-skimming jackets and voluminous dresses shared the runway, while geometric necklines provided excitement and definition.
Merging different seasons is not the only thing that sets this collection apart. It has also dismantled traditional, physical boundaries. Although the show was streamed as part of Paris’ haute couture week, it actually took place in Italy.
For the first time, it was staged at Palazzo Orsini in Milan, an ornate baroque mansion a few steps from Quadrilatero della Moda, the city’s revered fashion district. It has been serving as the headquarters and atelier for the Armani kingdom since 1996, and this is where Armani clothes are conceived and take shape.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the show took place behind closed doors and without an audience, but the entire spectacle was broadcast through the brand’s social media channels, thus bringing the magic of haute couture to everyone around the world.
Says Armani: “couture is rooted in fashion history. It represents the pinnacle of creativity and sartorial skill, but in a world available only to very few. Today, through the democracy of the internet, we are able to offer a front-row seat to everyone.”
Back stage beauty—How to get the look
“The makeup was a combination of the Armani DNA in soft hues to enhance the femininity of the collection and was inspired by the beauty and history of Palazzo Orsini,” says linda cantello, widely known as the inventor of the modern smoky eye, and international makeup artist for Giorgio Armani Beauty.
FACE
Prepare and massage the skin with Armani Prima Glow-On Moisturizing cream, ensuring the cream is absorbed before adding the base.
Use luminous Silk concealer, where needed, in the appropriate shade to match the skin tone, then apply luminous Silk Foundation to create a natural, seamless complexion.
EYES
Apply eye Tint #43 “Ice” to the eyelids, up to the eyebrows (apply softly for a visible result).
Then use Smooth Silk eye Pencil in black on the base of the lashes and smudge it down and out to create a shadow.
LIPS
Apply Rouge d’Armani Matte #101 “Scene” to the lips and dab some Neo Nude ecstasy Balm on top, using shade #1, to give the lips a healthy sheen finish.
Powder at the end with luminous Silk Glow Fusion Powder SILk in the appropriate shade.
