Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Paris Fashion Week Coverage

Armani Privé Spring 2012 Couture

The immensely talented Giorgio Armani has unleashed his work on the masses this Couture Week in the guise of a simple collection that is really anything but. The heavy reptilian influence (in the form of prints, rather than skins – which was nice) is an effort to translate the metaphysical concept of “Metamorphosis” into fashionable garb. Armani cites Kafka’s famous novella as the influence behind this collection, and instead of reading like a desperate literary nod, the move seemed fresh and inspired.

Act One shows tightly tailored jackets paired with mesh tops and silky, shimmery pants and skirts. This nearly reads like a “street style” collection at first, but it’s far too delicate to withstand an urban environment. The mesh tees, paired with a protective structured jacket was a nice blending of two extremes (fragile and substantial). The shimmering fabric of the pants and skirts looked more liquid than solid, and were especially eye-catching for that reason.

Act Two shows an abrupt shift toward more couture confections. For instance, a plume of lime green feathers acted as a gravity-defying cape as it floated airily above the shoulders of model Daria Strokous. The reptile prints were marched slowly out down a slick checkered runway, and the models’ methodical, measured steps allowed the audience to take in the full spectrum of prints. The ensembles in this half of the show are red-carpet ready, and since it’s the season for award shows, gowns from the Armani Privé collection will surely be getting some deserved attention.

written by GRACE GORDON|photos: courtesy of GoRunway

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