Presented in Armani's custom-made show theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 17, his fall 2012 menswear collection was more path-breaking than many recent shows – even containing some natty examples of a huge Milan trend, knitted trousers, though in this case, they were cut like tapered jogging pants, albeit with triple pleated pants.
“Quite frankly, I feel more comfortable in large pants rather than tight ones. Everyone does. And comfort is an essential part of luxury,” Armani told FWD in a post-show press conference restricted to Italian speaking media.
He also went outside the envelope with a new airy tweed, rejecting its rural tradition for a beautifully deconstructed silhouette, seen in a series of rather magisterially suits.
Hyper-thick felt wool used in casual double-breasted jackets and in audacious biker jackets meet cardigans, followed by a sextet of mannequins in rugged velour mountain jackets worn over Armani's new ribbed cord jogging trousers were a testament to how this septuagenarian designer still keeps his ideas fresh.
Two days before in Emporio Armani, his choice of tasseled, golfing loafers, waffle nylon mini jackets and dashing aviator in search of a party faded leather jackets in smoke gray and anthracite had plenty of youthful elan too. Though the fashion pack will probably best remember this season for the designer's hotel.
“The hotel is very important. We have had an incredible echo from people and the media. They both found a scent of Armani in every speck of the place. The quality of materials and taste should help people understand the aesthetics I strongly believe in. I feel at ease there, like in my own home. Plus, you can see from the hotel that my clothes and the way I live have very similar aesthetics,” insisted Armani.