KM: You have revealed ‘restraint’ to be the secret behind your collections being timeless. How easy or difficult is it to exercise ‘restraint’ in fashion?
GA: It all stems from my mother. Despite being extremely modest, she was exceptionally elegant. She taught us – my brother, sister and I – the importance of caring for people as a primarily ethical choice. The idea of less is more, or even more specifically, ‘less but better’, is a doctrine that I have made my own, and that still sustains me today when I find this idea to be more relevant than ever.
KM: What do you think is the future of fashion shows, with the digital format suddenly becoming the norm?
GA: While I still believe there is a role for showing collections on models to bring designs to life, I also wonder if so many people still need to y around the world to see them. I am currently evaluating minimising or skipping the pre-collections. I think it is sufficient to show only one collection per season, which also includes the pre-collection. I have also decided that I needed to explore new ideas for a non-traditional way to present Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani for Spring/Summer 2021. For example, For Emporio Armani, I wanted to explore a new way to communicate, so I created Building Dialogues, a video that narrates the story of the Emporio Armani men’s and women’s Spring/Summer 2021 collections. In addition to seeing models in the collection, the collection is also worn by artists from worlds that have always been linked to Emporio Armani’s broad community. I am showing my work in a new way, and also making a symbolic gesture in support of those arts – music, dance and acting – that have been particularly affected by the prolonged lockdown period.
KM: What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusivity, and how do you think brands can become more inclusive?
GA: To me, diversity is the acknowledgement that we, as human beings, are all equal and the same. That we all deserve the very same rights, even though we do not look the same and are the offspring of different cultures. I consider diversity as a treasure. This applies to my vision in every sense. But everything can be done better and I am constantly aware of that! Collectively as society and as fashion system, we have to work harder to erase the exclusivity and lack of openness of our working environments.