Armani Goes Dark: Seduction in Black
Black satin and sequin gown for Giorgio Armani Privé Fall 2025 (Courtesy of Giorgio Armani Privé)
This collection managed to do so much with so little color, reinforcing the “Seductive Black” theme. Greyscale from head to toe, from black berets, to grey eye shadow, to dramatically black looks, the shimmering materials and striking silhouettes really had their time to shine. Striking, angular beauty, reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour through gelled back hair, drop earrings, and gowns dripping in sequins and feathers give a unique interpretation that reimagined an iconic fashion era.
Black sequin gown ensemble for Giorgio Armani Privé Fall 2025 (Courtesy of Estrop/Getty Images)
Although the show did kick off with some pops of blue and green, with shoulder-padded jackets and lack luster velvet pants with bulged side rouching, it quickly transitioned into a sleek, black (and better) theme as looks shifted towards gowns and tailored suits.
While black is a classic colour, having this shade be the sole colour focus for the majority of a collection can be extremely challenging. The fact that Armani was able to showcase variety and excitement through stiff collars and eye-catching layers of feather, demonstrates a collection that excelled in excellence.
A myriad of texture and material for Giorgio Armani Privé Fall 2025 (Courtesy of Vogue)
Unfortunately, Giorgio Armani himself did not attend the Tuesday show, shortly after his 91st birthday, due to health reasons, but remained attentive to the production remotely.
The archetype of the femme fatale, circa 1950s film noirs is portrayed clearly through the high-contrast color scheme. Everything feels moody, dramatic, and mysterious, with each model teleporting you into an intricate scene.
Velvet suit for Giorgio Armani Privé Fall 2025 (Courtesy of Estrop/Getty Images)
Androgyny took the forefront as well through structured shoulder pads, tailored trousers, and dainty bow ties (the latter being a fashion trend this season, especially with the recent Dior menswear collection). It’s easy to see a Katherine Hepburn influence on many of these looks, as the tomboy intersection with sophistication is highly prevalent. There is a distinct blend of menswear into womenswear with this collection, with the masculine elements reminiscent of the iconic style of Black Dandyism – a little Met Gala throwback. This striking homage poses the question: did Armani revive the female dandy? All signs point to yes. The unconventional elegance of the headwear, strings of pearls, neckties, and of course cigarette holders make this a dazzling array of non conformative looks. I can definitely see Janelle Monáe stunning on a red carpet in one of these looks – always serving in a tailored pantsuit, as per usual.
Katherine Hepburn in a tailored suit (Courtesy of Alfred Eisenstaedt/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images)
Details of femininity peek through the traditionally masculine wardrobe. Tuxedo’s are stripped down with low cut v-necks, no shirt underneath, and daring cut-outs on the sides. Skirts and heels paired with suit jackets show that there are no rules, clothing truly has no gender, do with it as you wish. I mentioned the use of bow-ties earlier, but there is also consistent usage of bows, whether it's to create a giant, asymmetrical strap on a gown, or to be the center piece of a jumpsuit, these classically feminine bows being used as frequently as traditionally masculine bow ties leave a fluid impression of how articles of clothing, particularly accessories, can be manipulated to serve style in a way that bends gender. Structured ties around the neck or delicately in a row in the center of plunging necklines, the bow motif has been generously utilized by Armani.
Undone black suit for Giorgio Armani Privé Fall 2025 (Courtesy of Estrop/Getty Images)
Pavé crystals, liquid velvet, ostrich feathers, military frogging, and cumberbunds may seem like an unexpected combination, but they merged together to create an eye-catching collection that old Hollywood legends would certainly approve of.