Confessions of a Fashion Writer: Giorgio Armani Prive F/W 2010

The luxurious appeal of Amber at Armani Prive. Italian couturier Giorgio Armani presented a Haute Couture collection that was inspired by the beautiful gemstone Amber. This fossilized stone encouraged the monochrome color palette of gold, caramel, chocolate and beige. The trademark Armani appeal was clear with the signature silhouettes and precise Italian tailoring. The Haute Couture quality was incredible in the folds in the fabric, immaculate hand bead work and embroidery. The opulence was subtle in photographic images but up close it was evident that the exquisite work and detailing was prevalent in every piece. Tweed suits shimmered with delicate gold and silver thread while glistening crystal and sequin embroidery infused drama into the evening gowns. The collection was completely wearable with pieces from modern day suits, coats, classic cocktail dresses and opulent evening gowns. The Armani Prive look was classic glamor with a modern Haute Couture edge.

The show was held in a former bank in the Place Vendome with a slick beige metallic runway that was narrow and dark. Estonian Supermodel Carmen Kass opened the show in a beige tailored day suit paired with a sharp shouldered cape. Armani offered a great amount of tailored suits available in tweed with incredible cuts that shaped the body. Silk cocktail dresses were sleek and the folds and tailoring gave it a nice flowing movement. The evening dresses were dramatic in Mikado satin and beautiful silk with hand beaded detailing in various cuts.

Admired pieces in the collection were the opulent evening gowns with hand beading and one particular was a beige sharp high shouldered gown with impeccable metallic hand beading. A sleeveless wool jumpsuit with a draped front was different and extremely beautiful.

Giorgio Armani presented a Haute Couture collection that sparkled like Amber and had complimenting colors of this gorgeous gemstone. It had the essential trademark Italian Armani tailoring with a classic style infused with a modern edge. The Armani Prive woman is sophisticated and will glisten like a beautiful amber gemstone. -Brent Billiman, Paris, France.