These designers have no reserve. They've chosen a path and thrown themselves onto it head first, regardless of everything. Whether or not their designs are sellable or vulgar. As long as it's new and people talk about it. That is the truth.
”He told ELLE UK
The fashion week schedules are slowly being released and last week WWD managed to get a look at the schedule for Milan. The biggest change is that Giorgio Armani has moved both his shows from their usual spot on Monday morning to 7pm and 8pm on Sunday September 23.
Back in May, the designer told WWD that he was 'planning a presentation of some of his past designs' from the past ten years but didn't give a time frame. Naturally, then, the title assumed that the reason behind the date change was the unveiling of the restrospective presentation. When they reached out to the brand for confirmation, they declined to comment but I think there's might be some truth to the speculation. Over the past year the designer has been a lot more forthcoming as far as being featured in interviews is concerned so maybe the exhibition is the a considered element of the brand's increased public presence this year.
As one of the few big fashion houses still owned by its founder, it's no surprise that Giorgio Armani is constantly surrounded by rumours about who will succeed him and control the brand as and when he decides to retire. While the question has always been discussed, the issue has been spoken about extensively at the moment.
Recent reports alleged that he plans to leave his company to a foundation and in that big profile in the Wall Street Journal that dropped recently, he suggested that the company will go his nieces and nephews. Last week in Beijing the designer told WWD that the idea of leaving the company to a foundation was 'only one of the possibilities; there is nothing substantial there.' On the contary, AFP report that he told reporters that he has 'started a major restructuring: the outside support of a foundation that will allow designated persons to manage the group.'
Contrary to his youthful appearance, 78 year-old Giorgio Armani is getting older and as one of the only fashion designers still in control of his empire, it's not surprising that speculation about his next move abound.
Last month reports about Stefano Pilati moving to the brand with the intention to assume full creative reigns when the man himself retires adding impetus to the ever present interest. Naturally, then, succession was the main topic of discussion in his recent feature in the Wall Street Journal.
In the interview he reveals that the future of the company is something that he thinks about 'when I wake up in the morning and when I go to sleep at night.' He also discusses why creating wearable designs are important to him, what he has planned for the future of Armani and his near death experience.
Images courtesy of Giorgio Armani
Regular readers will know that the 'Chelsea' sunglasses from House of Harlow 1960 are my summer style of choice but it looks like I might have to add a Giorgio Armani pair too. This week the brand released a summer collection of sunglasses to follow up on the successful launch of their 'Frames of Life' campaign back in 2010.
While the brand hasn't particularly been one that I have turned to for eyewear in the past, I really like their summer offerings this season. The clear frames feel contemporary without feeling too trendy and the old school cinematic feel of the campaign images articulate the timeless quality of the sunglasses perfectly. To support the collection the brand have also launched a special website full of images from the campaign as well as behind-the-scenes videos and stills charting the experiences of the campaign models on the shoot.
See more images of the campaign as well as shot of the collection after the jump
Though everyone complained about the ongoing rumours about who will take the reigns at Dior, it now seems like we've all liked the constant speculation. No sooner had Raf Simons been named as John Galliano's successor the rumour mill quickly turned its attention to theorizing about what Stefano Pialti would do now after being given the boot from Yves Saint Laurent.
When he spoke at the French Institute Alliance Française as part of their fashion talks recently he remained elusive about what his next step would be but the designer is currently being tipped for a move to Giorgio Armani to get ready to take the reigns before the man himself retires. Journalist Jim Shi started the rumour off this week tweeting: 'My sources are telling me Stefano Pilati is headed 2 Giorgio Armani w/ the intention to assume full creative reigns when GA retires. #dope.'
Would you be happy to see Pilati at Giorgio Armani?
With the Olympics just around the corner each day more images from of the international kits are hitting the net and the latest come from Italy. Not to be upstaged by Stella McCartney's work for the Olympic Team GB kit, Italy has secured Prada to design the kit for the Olympic and Paralympic sailing teams.
"We are extremely proud to have Prada as a sponsor, the Prada brand is not just a flagship of Italy worldwide, but it has always been very closely connected to our sport and has nearly become synonymous with major sailing challenges," Carlo Croce, president of the Italian Sailing Federation, said. When it comes to the main kit, the big job has gone to Giorgio Armani who was recently criticised for trying to steal McCartney's thunder after releasing images of his designs on the day of the big TeamGB reveal.
What do you make of Prada's designs?
As always the looks on the red carpet at last night's Grammys were a bit hit and miss. Rihanna looked sexy but sophisticated in a black Giorgio Armani gown, Gwyneth Paltrow looked great in a black dress from Stella McCartney and so did Taylor Swift who wore a gold Zuhair Murad couture gown. Unfortunately outfits from Katy Perry, Fergie and Jessie J were disappointing.
The big winner on the night was Adele who looked beautiful in a black sequined Giorgio Armani gown and quite rightly walked away with six awards.
As you will know, last year Lady Gaga started a column in V magazine and her latest installment, the singer has handed her writing role over to designers ranging from Karl Lagerfeld to Manish Arora to comment on her style and contribution to fashion.
'It is always stimulating to work with Lady Gaga because it allows my imagination to roam freely in order to create genuinely theatrical stage costumes, as was the case on this occasion,' Giorgio Armani wrote. 'Lady Gaga is an artist with a huge personality and amazing stage presence. I was attracted by her genuine interest in fashion and design, which she projects with a conviction that knows no limits — and which she definitely considers a vital ingredient of her career.'
I don’t need alliances, complicity, or need to surround myself with international jetsetters. I have too much respect for myself, for the public, and for the people that work both with me and the fashion industry to renounce any sort of intellectual honesty that influences and orients my life, even at the expense of attractive economic opportunities … I don’t need any of the money from the stock exchange — not for growth, not for globalization, not to aggregate my brand.
”The designer said.
