Armani Privé Unites East and West at Paris’ Palais de Tokyo

Armani Privé: A Fusion of Eastern and Western Cultures at Paris’ Palais de Tokyo

Article by Godfrey Deeny Released Jan 24, 2024

Giorgio Armani's couture show, filled with an impressive display of star attendees, was undoubtedly this season's highlight. The audience was captivated by an awe-inspiring collection that was exhibited by Giorgio Armani Prive for the Spring-Summer 2024 Haute Couture in Paris, France.

Assembled at Palais de Tokyo for an exclusive spring/summer 2024 collection, the event targeted high-profile celebrities attending award seasons in the US, as well as women associated with the affluent elite. The entrance of the French art institution was flooded with over 1,000 fans and aficionados, eager to catch a glimpse of the celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Glenn Close, Olga Kurylenko, Juliette Binoche, and the football icon, Ronaldo.

The Armani Privé presentation was held on a runway colored in its characteristic shade – pearly alabaster, featuring a collection that drew equally from the East and the West. A striking feature of the show was the use of unprecedented high-tech materials, including metallic-like harem pants made from technical silk and technical organza columns appearing to be straight from 'The Matrix'.

At the age of 89, Giorgio Armani's openness to various cultures and concept of investigating remote regions is commendable. His approach contrasts sharply with the current political atmosphere in Italy, which is characterized by a closed attitude and an extreme right-wing government's refusal to accept refugees.

The collection saw a creative combination of feather-light lace jackets with uneven chiffon layers in a skirt. This fusion could easily be perceived as a blend of the Belle Epoque and Balinese fashion. Additionally, it displayed a playful lightness with an abundance of lace enhanced with fine embroidery, as well as skillfully crafted appliqués. Giorgio's daring usage of makeup and hair styles also commanded attention, with Pacific blue eyeliner, and fine braids adorning hair and brushing shoulders.

The West gracefully accepted the East, incorporating kimono-style negligees, full skirts, mermaid dresses, petite corsets, and long Asian-style jackets into its fashion. The collection also featured a mix of aqua and precious tones such as light pink corals, jade greens, faded blues, and soft golds. The selection displayed a grand array of vivid moiré jacquards, making the collection synonymous with contemporary couture, perfectly suited for red carpets, grand soirées, or exquisite dinners.

The Last Emperor of Fashion's remarkable display left the audience of 600 rising to their feet in applause, cheers, and shouts of admiration, signifying another triumphant achievement for Armani.