Giorgio Armani: Eccentric Chic
By Michelle Taylor
Photos by Giovanni Pucci

MILAN, Feb 24, 2004/ FW/ --- With a collection titled, “Eccentric,” Giorgio Armani created unconventional chic Monday night at the designer’s custom-built auditorium located at Via Bergognone.

The collection is off-center, even elliptical in the truest sense of the word.

First, it was the models who looked like they just came out of Mattel’s factory floor with their brunette rag doll wigs, pale make up and dark eye shadow. A sultry Barbie, or a modern Elvira doll, you can take your pick.

Second, the design maestro decided to highlight the “generous curves of hips and buttocks, to display the beauty of the body without revealing it,” as he mentioned in his press notes.

But instead of the expected fluid silhouette that the designer is famous for, what came out were some bulky gowns and maxi dresses, like the bright pink, strapless, bodice-hugging gown that flared at the hip.

Oddly enough (pun intended), some of the looks worked like the black beaded spaghetti strap gown that can easily go from the runway to the Oscar red carpet.

And there is the hipster pants matched with a silver ruche top paired with an ankle-length leopard jacket.

Giorgio Armani is not called a design maestro for nothing. It might be eccentric chic but front row denizens Sophia Loren, Claudia Cardinale, Omella Muti and Isabella Blow were all smiles while watching the collection.

Because who cannot resist the dazzling little black dresses featuring glittering silver jackets and the mink wraps, shawls and cardigans that any woman would want?

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani