Emporio Armani Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear
Emporio Armani's latest show was a celebration of evolution, marked by several significant shifts. The first was the introduction of Nicola Lamorgese, Emporio's menswear studio director, and Marco Brunello, his womenswear counterpart, who joined Mr. Armani for the final bow, signaling a collaborative approach. The post-show party, a first for Emporio, was held to celebrate the grand reopening of the flagship store on Via Manzoni after a six-month renovation, a testament to the brand's continued commitment to physical retail experiences.
Mr. Armani, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, also broke from tradition by sharing his thoughts on change, emphasizing the enduring value of physical stores in an increasingly digital world.
"The past twenty years have seen the progressive prevalence of digital across every sphere and many things have changed, including consumer habits," he stated. "However, I believe that physical stores provide a unique, irreplaceable, multi-sensory experience with the added value of human contact—something the virtual world lacks."
The collection itself, featuring over 100 looks, was a powerful statement of Armani's vision. It drew inspiration from a '90s Emporio image by Tom Munro, a female model in a suit, and seamlessly blended feminine and masculine elements.
Sporty vest dresses in kaleidoscopic stripes and colorful harnesses and parkas showcased the brand's playful side, while a phase of traditional suiting in pale gray, featuring nipped-waist jackets and meticulously crafted shoulders, highlighted its timeless elegance. The menswear stood out with its extreme volume, showcasing jackets that reached mid-thigh and trousers with generous pleating and draping, creating a unique and bold silhouette.
Armani's menswear, with its clean lines and classic tailoring, is enjoying a resurgence as a new generation seeks to move beyond streetwear and embrace a more refined sense of style. The collection exemplified Emporio Armani's ability to bridge classic codes with contemporary trends, proving that while change is inevitable, the essence of the brand remains constant.
Giorgio Armani's sense of time is both cyclical and linear: his grasp on the spirit of the moment aligns seamlessly with his commitment to a style that remains coherent, changing so as not to change. The symbolic image of the model in a men's suit and tie epitomises this concept in the Emporio Armani Women's SS25 show: it is the essence of what has gone before, but equally the announcement of what is to come. The tie, originally worn by women as an elegant and provocative declaration of gender equality, becomes a playful trend.