On the notes of Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Conformist, in that world of beauty represented by Chinese lacquer and shrouded in the timeless perfection of craftsmanship, Giorgio Armani took the aesthetic of Art Deco as his inspiration for the Giorgio Armani Privé Spring 2019 Haute Couture and declared it in a collection with a lacquered effect.

There was a sense of enchantment, a play on light, skilfully created by the sumptuous embroidery on dresses, bodices and jackets, and by sophisticated pieces in patent leather and precious hides. The slender, perfectly-drawn silhouette was elegant and composed, and possessed a sense of lightness suggested by the movement of infinite, fine silk fringing, with the embroidery delineating three -dimensional geometric shapes and with crystals whose light blended – and enhanced – that of the lacquer. Petite jackets with defined shoulders featured rich details also on the inside, where even the front lining was embroidered. Trousers, slightly flared at the hem, trace the outline of the entire shape. Dresses in silk or silk gauze flow down to reach the ankles, with an air of lightness – as for the midi skirts.

Sprays of tulle studded with crystals, geometric incrustations, bows, staggered fringes, feathered volumes, velvet point d’esprit, and 3-D jacquards enhanced silhouettes that spanned cocktail attire to red carpet. The collection eased into black by the end with a series of liquid-like dresses and coordinated looks.

Get an exclusive look backstage spotlighting the geometric style of the Spring Haute Couture collection.