Giorgio Armani: ‘One Night Only’ in Venice
Giorgio Armani, an iconic figure in the fashion world, recently hosted his ‘One Night Only’ event in Venice, attracting a star-studded front row despite the ongoing Hollywood strike that led many stars to skip the city’s film festival.
The event featured prominent figures such as Sophia Loren, Jessica Chastain, Benicio Del Toro, Regé-Jean Page (the Armani beauty ambassador and star of Bridgerton), Oscar-winning director Martin McDonagh, and singer Jack Savoretti. They gathered to witness the presentation of an Armani Privé haute-couture collection inside a grand red brick warehouse at the historic Arsenale, once used for crafting Venetian warships.
The show displayed 65 models gracing a silver and gold harlequin print runway, donning reimagined pieces from Armani Privé’s spring/summer 2023 collection. The designs featured captivating lozenge harlequin shapes, sequined columns, sherbet-hued tanks, and tunics inspired by the colors of the Doge’s Palace. Tulle chokers in the lozenge pattern paid homage to Venice’s love for extravagant gatherings. Additionally, a mosaic-style top displayed a renowned portrait of Armani, and the collection introduced beautifully draped tulle dresses in mint green and Adriatic blue, reminiscent of Murano glass shades.
Before the show, Giorgio hosted a cocktail party on his impressive 65-meter super yacht ‘Main,’ an embodiment of Armani’s minimalist aesthetics. Guests even received midnight blue slippers provided by Armani to wear on board, which quickly became collector’s items.
The mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, presented Giorgio Armani with a Murano glass-winged lion, symbolizing the city’s gratitude.
In the eyes of the Italian public and international audience, Giorgio Armani transcends being merely a fashion designer. He is considered the embodiment of Italian style and taste, celebrated for his longevity, independence, and unwavering commitment to creativity. His influence over the past half-century surpasses that of any other living designer, earning him a place alongside iconic figures like Galileo, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Columbus in Italy’s history.
Throughout the weekend, Giorgio Armani’s presence dominated Venice, with chic water taxis bearing his ‘GA’ symbol ferrying guests across the city’s canals. Armani’s beauty division has been a significant sponsor of the Venice Film Festival for six years, hosting an elegant dinner at the Guggenheim Museum on the Grand Canal.
The One Night Only event was the perfect blend of elegance, precision, and attention to detail. Venice, with its rich history, baroque architecture, Byzantine influences, and grand pageants, may appear distinct from Armani’s understated minimalism and signature non-colors. However, the designer believed it to be the ideal backdrop, inspired by the city’s unique charm.
Giorgio Armani’s connection to the Venice Film Festival dates back to 1990 when the world premiere of Martin Scorsese’s documentary ‘Made in Milan’ took place. Over the years, Armani has collaborated with numerous films and earned a reputation for making actors and actresses look their best on the red carpet.
In the future, Giorgio Armani hopes that his brand will continue to be viewed as a source of timeless, comfortable, and effortlessly elegant style. He envisions an Armani that is completely sustainable, both in terms of its products and its operations.
This remarkable event was not only a celebration of fashion but also a tribute to the enduring legacy of Giorgio Armani. As he nears the end of his illustrious career, his emotional connection to his work remains as strong as ever, reminding us that true beauty and creativity are timeless.
