Armani’s American dream

«I am happy and excited. I am coming back to New York with an event during a special moment in my life and career. I just turned 90, and my company is about to turn 50». Giorgio Armani’s comeback with a show in New York has the flavor of a celebration, full of memories related to a market that, in the 80s, enthusiastically welcomed the designer and consecrated him in the olympics of creatives thanks to American gigolo and the iconic Time cover.

The event is the grand opening of a massive commercial and residential building on Maison Avenue. The building's design is based on a 1940s building model, a period that frequently served as inspiration for the designer and returns stronger than ever for the spring/summer 2025 runway show in Park avenue armony, which has been transformed into a historical railway station for the occasion. «It is a childhood dream coming true», said the designer. «Since I was a kid, I loved wooden and metal trains, but they cost a lot. I did not have any money, and I wondered if I had been able to have a real train when I grew up». 

An American dream, which Giorgio Armani was able to experience firsthand and that the designer wanted to celebrate with a collection that nodded to the past but stays focused on the present. In a cinematic space, in the darkness of the night, a woman comes out accompanied by her porters. She moves forward with a firm step on flat boots in which soft trousers are tucked. The eyes are covered by a pair of sunglasses. Behind her, the scene opens on an army of Armani travelers wrapped in soft and elongated silhouettes, which recall the charm of the 30’s and 40’s amalgamated with oriental suggestions. Silk trousers suits alternate with leather trench coats, soft jackets, and fluid layers of dusty tones.

The evening shines thanks to satin sparkles for dancing dresses ornated with small boleros and alternated with boudoir pajamas, while crystal embroidery gives life to waves of pink and dusty blue in a harmonious chromatic sequence. «The collection tells a fantastic journey through an era rich in visions, memories, and blending with different styles and ways of dressing», explained the designer. «But it is a collection that speaks to the present. I would like the audience to catch the cinematic references to the atmospheres of the 30s and, for a moment, dream». When asked what his biggest dream is today, Giorgio Armani has no doubts: «Start all over again». Take back that long journey that has led him to become an icon of Italian elegance in the world.

Judgement. «America is very important. This is due to the market’s historical ties as well as the fact that it is large and diverse, with lots of opportunities for market penetration. Although the current crisis undoubtedly calls for some caution, I believe that the timeless vision that defines my fashion style can still have a significant impact on the American public». Giorgio Armani’s collection is in line with his style and reflects his distinct business vision. The new building on Madison Avenue will allow the American public to fully immerse themselves in an Italian way of life. Vip’s from all over the world, including Amanda Seyfried, Brie Larson, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Orlando Bloom, Laura Pausini, Paola Cortellesi, and Gianmarco Tamberi, are there to cheer him on. And, as the expectation of the upcoming presidential election grows, when asked what he thinks about Kamala Harris’ style, the designer responded that he finds her an interesting woman with intriguing facial traits. «Good for her if she were to take the presidential seat. It would be a good start towards turning tables». (All rights reserved)