Style Spotlight - Giorgio Armani

He’s been in the business nearly 55 years, yet Giorgio Armani is still finding ways to surprise us – and reinvent himself. For SS19, his was the first ever catwalk show to take place in an airport. That’s right, a runway on an actual runway. Not to mention roping in Robbie Williams to perform in a sequinned kilt for good measure. Linate Airport was significant because it’s been emblazoned with the Emporio Armani eagle logo since 1996, tying the brand to the city of Milan irrevocably. Here, we asked the maestro about his 50 years as the figurehead of the ‘Made in Italy’ ideal and his renewed love for denim…

- Jess Wood

How did the idea of showing at Linate Airport come about?

‘Linate is one of the symbols of Milan. It represents this city’s international outlook – its openness, its spirit of innovation – and so it has always been an important aesthetic reference point in my world. I chose the airport because it’s somewhere that says travel, a symbol of adventure and freedom; the blending of cultures. I wanted this choice of venue to send out a message of inclusion at a time when, unfortunately, many people are intent on building walls.’

Why did you ask Robbie Williams to perform?

‘Robbie has a rare charisma and energy, and these are qualities that the public reacts to instinctively. When I told him about the project, he got excited about it right away and accepted on the spot. He’s performed in all sorts of places around the world, but never in an airport, and never in front of a fashion audience – that’s something that really excited him.’

The show was epic! What inspired the diversity behind the collection?