Before a typically eclectic Armani front row - soccer great, and Emporio model, Kaka, actress icon Ornella Muti and saucy government minister Giovanna Melandri - Armani presented one of his best selection of evening looks in some time, all inspired by Asian elements from fabric and fabrication to color and attitude.

With major western luxury brands on a boutique building boom in Asia – it was refreshing to see this design great take something back from the region, fusing its aesthetics into his own particular take on tailoring and silhouette.

Armani himself opened a 13-story flagship in Japan last year, and staged a triple-header show in Hong Kong and giant retrospective in Shanghai in 2006, so the man is no stranger to the region. No wonder Giorgio called this collection “Wanderlust.”

After a selection of natty, snug jackets and a flurry of takes on a new, inverted tulip, wrap skirt; his tailoring took on even more adventurous forms, like revamped coolie pants in silk that were rouched up at the knee and cut at the ankle - and on a slim leg they will make for a cool fashion statement.

Then Armani suddenly raised the ante with a brilliant triplet of looks, composed of mini velvet jackets and some exquisitely printed Sumatra sarongs. Applause rippled through the audience during the second half, as these were followed by Japanese meets gypsy mixes that were thoroughly new.

At times, it felt a little like Goya goes to Bali, as flat shoes came in quilted and embroidered satin, necklaces and chokers were made of rope and models threw flowery enfanta lace shawls over the shoulders.

“No so much one country, but the East generally in all its elegance and refinement,” commented Armani to FWD on his collection, as a score of security guards filtered fans and friends through to the ever tanned designer.

 ** Photos to come.

Article Courtesy of Fashion Wire Daily

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