BEAUTY: Clothing--Emporio Armani

Emporio Armani showed a collection that was chock-a-block full of insanely luxurious materials and finishes--AS USUAL--but with a hint of what might have been a concept or inspiration. Of course Armani doesn't need a concept or inspiration, having reinvented menswear some 40 years ago with looser cut suits and a luxe, almost louche sense of jet-set-ability. But take a look at the first few looks Emporio Armani sent down the runway for the FW 18-19 collection at Milano Moda Uomo and tell me if you think, like I do, of the rebel X-wing fighter pilots from the "Star Wars" films (except in black instead of their signature orange)...especially with the large laser-outlined EA eagle on the walls at the back of the runway...

But the fighter helmets disappeared quickly and what followed was a collection of sumptuous velvets, silky knits, and jacquards--please do click on the photos to take a closer look at the textures. Tailoring is always foremost in an Armani collection and jackets are cut here a little tighter at the shoulders and cropped a little shorter than usual. I like that silhouette. Trousers also had a tweak with a higher hem but this was no Thom Browne trouser, since the voluminous cut of the pant itself made it a different statement. Emporio Armani and Armani collections often have a tiny historical detail as well, and what caught my eye in this collection is a cinched and buttoned cuff on a pair of trousers, sixth row down, first photo. Fur lined shoes are also worth noting not only for their panache but also because they utilize faux-fur. In 2016, Armani took a fur-free pledge, stating, "Technological progress made over the years allows us to have valid alternatives at our disposition that render the use of cruel practices unnecessary as regards animals."

Rebel X-Wing Fighter Pilot

https://www.armani.com