Armani’s Venice

Sophia Loren and other stars from Hollywood were present at the Venice international film festival. However, the most striking moment was when Giorgio Armani, during his speech, burst into tears three times, breaking his voice. «I would like to thank all of you who have followed me with so much attention and affection». His famous icy blue eyes turned warm and red. Armani becomes emotional as he recounts his return to Venice, where he presented the world premiere of the documentary film Made in Milan directed by Martin Scorsese in 1990. The Venetian lagoon hosted his One Night Only, the 7th stop of his travelling event that started in 2006, which featured a Giorgio Armani Privé megashow at the Venetian Arsenal in front of a parterre of 700 guests. The show was followed by a party with a live performance by Róisín Murphy and a DJ set by Mark Ronson.

With numerous celebrities in attendance, the cameras were focused on actors such as Sophia Loren, the ultimate diva, who was surrounded by a bustling crowd. Famous directors such as Gabriele Salvatores, Giuseppe Tornatore, Ferzan Özpetek, Luca Guadagnino, and actors like Jessica Chastain, Benicio del Toro, Louis Garrel, Sydney Sweeney, Kerry Washington and Michelle Rodriguez were also present. The international celebrities are not very talkative, perhaps due to the Hollywood actors’ strike that has caused many to skip red carpet events. However, they are present because the designer has always had a strong connection to Hollywood. In front of them, 60 outfits from the Haute couture collection presented in Paris last January, featuring diamond-shaped patterns, Harlequinesque designs and collars that reminded of a Carnival theme. «Venice has captivated filmmakers, writers, and poets,» Giorgio Armani shared with MFF prior to the fashion show. «Although the city’s style may seem different from mine, I appreciate its decadence, the emotions and elegance it brings. Additionally, my love for cinema runs deep within me, as I was born with it. I used to frequent Venice many years ago, leaving my mark as Armani. We started seeing some famous actresses, actors, and directors at the Venice Lido for the first time. I felt like it was a sign of progress» the designer added. He recently received the Golden lion in Murano glass aaward from Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro in a ceremony aboard his mega yacht docked in the lagoon.

«I have admired movie directors who create timeless films», Giorgio Armani remarked. «And actors and actresses who bring emotion to their performances. Yesterday, Benicio del Toro hugged me on my boat, as if we were brothers. It was a powerful moment». Where did his love for cinema begin? «It was passed down from my mother and father,» the designer explained. «Unfortunately, my father passed away too soon to witness my achievements and successes. He enjoyed movies, mystery novels, and studio photography. I noticed his artistic side». The world-famous film American Gigolo was one of his milestones in the film world. «I recently watched it again on a boat» Armani remarked, «and I must say that Richard’s (Gere, ed.) performance was outstanding. The movie as well. I was thrilled to see my designs showcased on the plank during Richard’s dance. I want to give emotions. In that sense I was going to be a director. What does it mean that I am still emotional? I am alive. My job is that». His words match the images of the fashion show. The models walk slowly, with some performing a light dance to complement the ethereal quality of the clothing. Giorgio Armani appears at the end with a model, as they make their way through the spacious hall of brick arches, and the audience erupts into applause. He waves, his gaze once again softened by the warmth of the crowd. Like the other day when a woman took a picture of him on the boat at the pier, he got off to pose for the photo. «These are the things that make all the hard work of this job worth it»,  he remarked. (All rights reserved)