MILAN, Jun 26, 2006/ FW/ --- With the temperature in Milan hovering between mid 90s and triple digits in the Fahrenheit scale, having shorts as the main staple in the Emporio Armani show just made everyone feel a little cooler.

In a business wherein we are used to seeing summer clothes during the winter and vice-versa, the timing cannot be much better for Giorgio Armani. Everyone was thinking of finding a cool shady place. And he gave it to them…on the catwalk!

Of course, there is the requisite suits and dress shirts; this is an Armani show after all. But, the cuts are wider and more relaxed, the shoes a little bit more informal than the norm and the atmosphere very relaxed.

It was a seamless transition from suits to shorts. The requisite formal wear opened the show, and then models followed wearing suit jackets paired with loose Bermudas that are pleated in front. Imagine casual Friday in an Armani, and you get the picture.

Then it started to turn more sporty as bomber jackets were put over vests, the shoes though they can be classified as sneakers are a little bit on the dressy side.

Then it became shorts galore – walking shorts, gym shorts and beach shorts. If this was the U.S., you’ll think of beach volleyball. But, this is Milan hence it is football. After all, the FIFA is currently ongoing and the Italy- Australia match today is in everyone’s mind.

When the models, all clad in shorts and holding a soccer ball posed for the cameras, you begin to think that it was the climax of the show. But that was not the real surprise.

It was Giorgio Armani himself that astonished the audience. He took his bow in shorts! Now, that’s what we call, ‘doing what you are preaching!’

Emporio Armani

Emporio Armani

Emporio Armani

Emporio Armani