Giorgio Armani's Spring/Summer 2018 men's collection was unveiled in Milan on June 19th. The theme, "Made in Armani," was projected across the stage. The first look, a long light gray coat with a beautiful, flowing silhouette, reminded us all that it was Armani who first coined the term "soft tailoring" in the 1980s. The jackets, starting with a gradation of gray tones, gradually gleamed with a soft sheen and then metallic finishes. Jackets and pants, crafted in a variety of silver finishes—checks, stripes, crepe, dobby, and herringbone—were a testament to Milan's signature sartorial craftsmanship. The shiny silver materials evoked Japanese washi paper, tatami mats, and tsumugi silk. Suits, including those with bamboo prints, also evoked Japanese inspiration, as did Emporio Armani's earlier collection.

All the pants have a relaxed, tapered silhouette with pleats, and the suede moccasins, espadrilles, monk straps, and tassel slip-ons have sneaker soles, suggesting a resort feel suitable for formal occasions as well.

While already established as a brand that is not influenced by trends, Armani's aesthetic remains unchanged, with the concept of luxury changing every season along with the market.

Actor Nishijima Hidetoshi, who serves as an advertising model for Giorgio Armani Made to Measure, flew from Japan to attend the show, lining the front row with One Direction's Liam Payne.

Text: Tatsuya Noda