Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2011: Armani Privé

Posted by Katie Hill at 6:39 pm July 5th, 2011 | 0 comments

In honour of victims of Japan’s tsunami Armani Prive showed a Geisha inspired collection at the Palais Chaillot. The sweeping arcs of the facade of the Pallais paying tribute to the waves that rocked the country.

Armani’s collection gave the traditional kimono and Japanese prints a modern feel; using bright colour matched with simple black or navy, most notably a black dress with a tangerine bow at the back studded with Swarovski crystals. Obi belts (usually worn with the kimono) were teamed with cigarette pants; silk was toughened up with stiff panelling  and leather in the bodices of the dresses and Armani’s signature sharp tailoring was in abundance; suits were made of velvet or  the traditional Mikado fabric.

To top off the collection were the hats, woven by Phillip Treacy and inspired by the Geisha’s hair styles and origami, they added anextra statement to the pieces (maybe we will see one of these at the next Royal wedding?). Traditional Japanese prints were still visible also, mostly as  embellishments on pockets of jackets.

Armani said his collection was  a “creative gesture” and to highlight the brand’s ongoing financial aid to support UNESCO scholarship program for children affected by the disaster. Aside from bringing attention to the ongoing plight of the people, the collection is very wearable and stands out from other collections.

What do you think? Should Couture houses do more to support charity?

Video: Armani Prive Autumn/Winter 2011 Haute Couture show

Katie Hill loves writing about fashion from all over the world. A self-confessed shopaholic, she is always seeking out the lastest news and newest trends.