How To Tackle Evening Wear

WHAT GIORGIO Armani doesn’t know about eveningwear isn’t worth knowing. With over 40 years’ experience in the fashion industry, the designer is a go-to for some of the most prestigious women on the red carpet: Cate Blanchett, Lady Gaga, Nicole Kidman and Jodie Foster are just a handful of the leading ladies who have fallen for Armani’s confident, considered breed of glamour.

- Giorgio Armani

But you don’t need an Oscar nomination to embrace the world of Armani. This season the designer unveils a new eveningwear capsule collection, Giorgio’s, inspired by the atmosphere of the ‘members only’ evenings at the Armani/Privé Club in Milan each Thursday – and we all have access.

So what to expect? Pared-back prevails; a black satin and cady dress with long sleeves and plunging neckline, for instance, exemplifies the discreet elegance that Armani is known for. And, in a nod to ever-changing rules of after-dark dressing, don’t just expect gowns: midnight tuxedos with satin or velvet detailing, white silk shirts and a luxe cashmere and satin coat are the definition of modern glamour – they never overwhelm.

‘Every woman has a distinctive character, and I believe that great design allows a person’s character to shine through. Fashion should never disguise the wearer,’ Mr Armani explains. ‘If I had to choose a characteristic that unites all the women who look great in Armani, famous and non-famous alike, it would be the quality of elegance alongside a certain eccentricity.’

Mr Armani’s five golden rules of modern eveningwear

1. Try a tux

‘A tuxedo on a woman is particularly seductive.