THE WAY WE ARE, Emporio Armani 40th Anniversary

Emporio Armani celebrated its fortieth anniversary in a variety of events throughout the metropolitan of Milan on Thursday, September 24th. The lavish events echoed the brand’s manifesto to reflect the vivid way of life for cities and the people who live in them in its classic fashion. The anniversary celebration included the return of Armani to the runway with a live audience at the Armani/Teatro to kick off the Emporio Armani’s men’s and women’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection. The collection had a utilitarian feel, with lots of extremely well made basics such as blazers, blouses, and work pants accompanied by warm weather accessories like large brimmed hats and sunglasses. The pieces echoed the brands idea of democratic designs in the way that you could mix-match almost any piece from any outfit in the collection and still come out looking expensive and chic. Progression of colors started in the subtleties of beiges and greys-range and landed on subtle pastels that might remind one of sea foam or sea glass, a seasonally appropriate inspiration for the light and airy designs.

Partnered with the runway show was the opening of the exhibition-manifesto at the Armani/Silos entitled THE WAY WE ARE, a retrospective of the brand’s four decades of fashion and a declaration of their egalitarian values (on exhibit until February 6th, 2022). The gallery rooms retrace the brand through clothing, images and film. Many rooms play with the combination of geometry, light, and photography, with art lighting up the room quite literally. In addition, a special edition of the brands Emporio Armani Magazine, Rosanna Armani, was launched for the occasion. To commemorate the fortieth anniversary, the brand collaborated with DJ Ravin to produce a limited addition vinyl record and accompanying double CD, featuring nine tracks of lounge and club music. The cover of the vinyl mirrors the magazine image and is on sale throughout European cities and, eventually, worldwide. In an affirmation of the brands core stated values of openness and inclusion, the activities were taken to the streets via billboards at key locations. The customization of bus and tram shelters throughout the city, the main stations in Milan and at the Malpensa airport, encourage the public can partake in the viewing and celebrating of the last forty years of Emporio Armani. Emporio was created by the designer in 1981 as a contemporary brand with an inclusive attitude and democratic spirit, and remains just as impactful now as it did then.

Credit: Emporio Armani 

WRITTEN BY NATHALIE MILLER 

EDITED BY KAREN YABUTA