The silence spoke volumes.
On February 28, the last day of Milan Fashion Week, Giorgio Armani showcased his art-deco-inspired collection in complete silence for Ukraine. He told British Vogue that the decision happened only a few hours before the show.
“I really wanted to show that my heart is with the people in Ukraine. I had to find a way to communicate that we are not celebrating here because what is happening out there really concerns me,” the 87-year old says.
From the 1920s
Last February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine with President Vladamir Putin’s authorization for a military operation. No country has attacked another in this gravity since World War II.
“Everyone was so moved, and I believe that both backstage and in the theatre, the silence was louder and much more impactful than any kind of music,” Armani concluded.
The Fall/Winter 2022 presentation featured art deco influences through geometric prints, clean lines, and bias-cut dresses. Although the art movement originated in the 1920s, its modernist expression is what the designer says makes it relevant today.
The volume of silence
Beyond muted decorative patterns used for outerwear, Armani favored velvet materials for several pieces. Velvet in black, navy and deep violet jackets, trousers, coats, and leggings were scattered throughout the collection.
As models walked the runway, only their faint footsteps, camera shutters, and applause from the audience were heard. For those there, such as fashion critic Anders Christian Madsen, the silence was impactful.
“In fashion, we’re accustomed to loudness on every level. When somebody switches off the noise—either literally or figuratively—silence speaks louder than words,” Madsen wrote in a review on the show.
Other guests seated in the front row were Anne Hathaway and her fellow actor spouse Adam Shulman, Brazilian model Valentina Sampaio, Italian-Polish chef Isabella Potí, and Chinese-American actress Fala Chen.
Banner photo from @giorgioarmani on Instagram.
