Giorgio Armani Privé SS25

At 90 years old, Giorgio Armani presented his highly anticipated Spring/Summer 2025 Haute Couture line Lumières in celebration of twenty years in couture. The show was an ode to the “authentic and modern woman” whose wide travels have manifested in her stylistic choices.

Giorgio Armani stands with the models walking in his Spring/Summer 2025 Haute Couture show Lumières. To celebrate his 20th anniversary of couture, the show was held at Palazzo Armani in Paris during Paris Haute Couture Week. Photo by Stefano Guindani and made available via IG @giorgioarmani. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

In perhaps the most elegant yet otherworldly show of Paris Haute Couture week, Giorgio Armani showcased 93 high fashion looks that defined the sophistication of high luxury. The spirit of the show revolved around the experiences of a worldly woman and the influence of culture and continents on her beauty and fashion identity. Each look was a tribute to the ethereal essence of global culture, and its embodiment was delicately displayed in Southeast Asian-inspired embroideries and embellishments across the collection. The maximalist setting of Palazzo Armani brought out the glamour of the 1920s styled attire, highlighting the metallica and jewel-draped fabrics. 

Shimmer and shine were the main event as every look that walked down the runway glowed under the soft lighting provided by the Palazzo. Pearls, chunky gemstones, beads and crystals emanated the soul of Lumières in both a literal and metaphorical sense. Most models boasted crystalized caps pinned to the sides of their heads as a subtle tribute to the 1920s flapper image. Mr. Armani’s craftsmanship proves to be timeless with the decadence of his floor length gowns, jacket and pant sets, and loose flowing skirts. 

Models walk the runway for the Giorgio Armani Privé Spring/Summer 2025 Haute Couture show in Paris, France. Photos courtesy of Giorgio Armani and made available via Grazia. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Palm trees were embedded in several looks as a call to the allure of tropical nature, not so subtly printed across the waistline and hems of three strapless dresses. Floral motifs abound in delicate beaded embroidery on pale, nearly translucent fabric. Lightweight organza proved to be the perfect fabric, the elegance of the sheer yet crisp fabric providing the ideal canvas for printed appliques and bejeweled flowers reminiscent of lush gardens. 

Southeast Asian clothing was featured in abundance as the collection interpreted several traditional dress styles from the region. Several shirts were fitted as half kimonos while another look played a twist on Chinese short vests with a high collar and exaggerated embroidered shoulders. Tightly fitted jackets cinched at the waist were reminiscent of the cinched styles of jackets from Singapore and the traditional sampot from Cambodia.

Models walk the runway for the Giorgio Armani Privé Spring/Summer 2025 Haute Couture show in Paris, France. Photos courtesy of Giorgio Armani Corporation and made available via L’Officiel. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Familiar patterns from Indian clothing were also prominent in pieces such as a tailored suit jacket with an intertwining silver and gold chevron with a separate band of embroidery sewed on the bottom. One-shoulder dresses took inspiration from Indian and Nepalese saris while sheer shawls elegantly draped over some of the models paid tribute to Thai siwalais.  

The collection itself is a tribute to the iconic mastery of the Armani brand that Mr. Armani has spent the last 50 years building. Mr. Armani himself concluded the show on the arm of Katia Andre, who stunned in breezy gray trousers and matching sheer top with intricate floral embroidery. He was received with great applause, and the walk appeared almost bittersweet given Mr. Armani’s plans to retire in the next few years. 

Giorgio Armani walks with model Katia Andre to close his Spring/Summer 2025 Haute Couture Collection. Photo by Isidore Montag, courtesy of gorunway.com and made available by Elle. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.