Giorgio Armani: «Everyone has a huge desire of coming back to normality, but it is necessary to be cautious»

The news had been hovering for a few days and yesterday came the official confirmation. Due to the recrudescence of the pandemic and the increase in cases of Covid in Europe Giorgio Armani will not show in Milan in January with the Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani men's fall-winter 2022/23 collections. Also canceled is the Giorgio Armani privé Parisian haute couture show s-s 2022.

A decision taken reluctantly, but necessary, as the designer himself revealed in an exclusive interview with MFF: «In these almost two years of pandemic I have tried never to lower my guard. The growth of contagions in Europe at this time does not leave me indifferent, and it is to be expected that after the holidays the situation will be even more unstable», he said, «moreover, in the case of Paris, the show would have involved the displacement of 80 people from my team, and it is a risk that I do not want to run to anyone, the same for the public, in Milan as in Paris. The choice was therefore moved once again by the desire to protect health and safety even before the fashion shows, even though they are fundamental moments for the fashion system. In February 2020, the designer made a similar, and disruptive, choice, parading behind closed doors on the final day of Milan women's fashion week and, in fact, launching a clear alarm to the entire sector.

What prompted you to cancel the physical fashion shows?

In these almost two years of pandemic, I have tried never to let my guard down. It's easy to get excited when the situation improves, but enthusiasm can easily become risk.

Will the shows be offered in a co-ed format with the woman in February?

It's something I'm pondering, but I haven't come to a final decision yet, so I can't confirm. The situation is delicate, I will opt for the mode that I consider most effective, under date.

Milan, Florence and Paris are willing to hold in-person shows, convinced that the time has come to safely live with the pandemic, also thanks to vaccines. Is it too early for you?

It is a thought that I understand well, because the desire to return to normality is great for everyone. However, looking at the growth of infections in recent months, I personally believe it is too soon. We're still lacking a level of protection that allows us to continue with in-person shows in absolute safety for all participants. I hope we can get there soon.

In these months, Italy is enjoying great international respect. Do you think the country is coping well with the emergency? What should still be done?

I am happy with the way this government has handled the pandemic emergency: with rigor and organization. Compared to other European countries, Italy has certainly moved in a prudent manner, and I can only be happy about that, given that I prefer as well a similar approach to such a large and difficult problem.

What help can come from fashion now?

A more cautious attitude, indeed. Calm and less frenetic.

Carlo Capasa: «The men's fashion week goes ahead safely»

«As Cnmi, we can only understand the decision taken by Mr. Armani to cancel his fashion shows, a choice consistent with his approach to the pandemic and his vision, but as far as the upcoming Milan fashion week men's collection is concerned, we confirm that both fashion shows and in-person activities are allowed, as long as procedures and controls aimed at avoiding the spread of Covid-19 are applied», commented Carlo Capasa, president of Camera nazionale della moda italiana, to MFF, reaffirming the institution's commitment to the smooth running of the fashion week, scheduled from January 14 to 18 with, among the highlights, the debuts of JW Anderson and 1017 Alyx 9sm, as well as the shows of big names such as Fendi, Prada, Dolce&Gabbana, Etro. «It is possible that in the coming days the calendar will include some changes in collaboration with the brands, always with maximum attention to safety», he concluded. (all rights reserved)