The Giorgio Armani Pre-Fall 2020 presentation into a rather epic series of events with the opening of Accent of Style, an exhibition of accessories that the designer personally curated in the minimalist spaces of the Armani/Silos. It encompasses an impressive 40 years of his work, from the late ’70s to today.

The occasion also marked the launch of Armani’s first high jewelry collection, presented in a suite at the Armani Hotel in Milan’s city center. Graceful shapes of stars and flowers were rendered in white or black diamonds, black onyx, and white or rose gold, in a series of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, looking delicate and discreetly expensive.

The Pre-Fall show, held at the Tadao Ando–designed Armani Teatro,  was called Transformism, conveyed a free-spirited attitude. “It’s about a woman who wants to transform herself following her moods and feelings,” explained Mr. Armani, who at 85 is as fit and sharp-witted as ever.

Armani redefines the masculine/feminine dynamics and in pioneering a modern fashion language, which decades ago set a framework for today’s gender-fluid aesthetics. The collection was an ode to the pantsuit, with jackets offered in a multitude of iterations. Masculine blazers were softened and cut as relaxed as shirts or were hybridized into elegant bombers in geometric-patterned jacquard velvet.

A slender, ankle-grazing satin tunic in silver gray and velvet pajamas in a vivid shade of lacquer red had a languid sensuality. A few red carpet numbers were sequined and shimmering, their slender silhouettes exuded a very Armani tendency for balance and poise.

The beauty was signature Armani with a fusion of his influences in one makeup. With colors from Japan including, white and red along with long elongated eyebrows from 30s Hollywood, the look featured a softened black graphic eye, echoes of early ’90s. Giorgio Armani’s International Makeup-up Artist, Linda Cantello used a variety of products including the new Lip Maestro Matte Nature collection.

Step backstage at the Giorgio Armani Pre-Fall 2020 and experience the unique atmosphere before the show.