Simply Abu Dhabi XXVII

Giorgio Armani Privé Giorgio Armani Privé’s haute couture collection was a highly unexpected one, starting from the runway itself which recalled Armani’s atelier Palazzo Orsini in Borgonuovo in Milan, adorned by gold frescoes and antique interiors. The collection begins with suits and tailleurs with constructed and curving shapes, and develops with dramatic coats and graphic dresses. The collection seemed in thrall to mystery concerning the past and the present, unique craftsmanship and modern techniques, lightweight textiles and modern patterns. This was especially marked in evening wear, where Armani went further still, exploring a new dimension in terms of couture while remaining true to himself. Of course it was a collection that respected Armani codes, but there was something extra emotional, too. Even though the colours are vivid and the patterns vibrant, the entire collection has an understated allure. In fact, as the designer declared, this Armani Privé collection was dedicated to Franca Sozzani, the late Italian Vogue Editor- in-Chief and, in particular, to her smile. By looking to the collection with this dedication in mind, it was clear with each dress that Sozzani herself would have loved it if she was still with us. Giorgio Armani solved the enigma of his mystery by combining his codes of the gracefully modern with the traditional with Franca Sozzani’s style. 1 1 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I