Well, well. Milan designer Mr. Armani has really outdone himself this time. You may remember that his clothes were at the Guggenheim six or seven years ago. This is the same exhibition, with a new set by Robert Wilson, that’s been touring the world and has finally come home. Too few designers find that exciting enough of an inspiration, which made his work so special and distinctive. Unfortunately the only working woman whom I could see wearing his latest collection would be one that loitered in hotel lobbies at night with an eftpos machine in her handbag.
I’m told that Mr. Armani is creating a permanent museum space in Milan, designed by Tadao Ando. I can’t think of another living designer who deserves it more, not that it matters what I think. The body of work presented at the Triennale, in blackened rooms and with the dresses mounted on nearly invisible forms, is awesome. A very high-class hotel lobby mind you, but you get my drift.
Thank god his retail stores, particularly SOME of his menswear outlets, still trade in ‘the real thing!’One can still turn to our trusted, knowledgable friend for all the right answers there. There are some of the most understated pieces he’s ever done, a soft navy pantsuit with a matching crepe blouse — and some of the very elaborate and delicate evening dresses based on Asian influences.