Fall 2004 Ready-To-Wear Giorgio Armani Fall 2004 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review

MILAN, February 23, 2004 – Giorgio Armani has a new focus. "Women want to be diverse, not to follow a standardized look," he said of his fall show. "They want to be motivated by something special. That�s why they�ve started looking for vintage pieces." Inspired by what he called "a vague feeling for the 1900s, and Visconti�s film The Damned," he sent out a romantic assembly of looks designed to be remixed by the wearer, rather than imposed as top-to-toe solutions.

Armani drew a long, supple silhouette with dresses, coats, and jackets that were cut close to the body and gently fluted toward the hem. Standouts included laser-cut and printed velvet pieces, scalloped-edge lace jackets, beaded halter dresses, and crystal-encrusted evening jackets crafted as softly as blouses. Huge sparkling brooches underscored the air of decadent eccentricity that is fast becoming the look of the season. Among the rich, couture-like handwork that has long distinguished Armani�s evening looks, he also sent out a selection of his luxurious signature streetwear in the form of ankle-skimming, vaguely Napoleonic coats.

In condensing this show to a 20-minute sampling of his vast collection, Armani embraced the eclecticism that is a ruling factor in fashion right now. It looked like a beautiful step forward.

– Sarah Mower

STYLE FILE