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GIORGIO Armani on what defines a well-dressed man, the versatility of grey and what makes a good hotel great.

TheAustralian

GIORGIO Armani on what defines a well-dressed man, the versatility of grey and what makes a good hotel great.

Can you tell me a little about your inspiration for this collection?
I was inspired by the spirit of past Armani classics, so much so that I even opened the runway with a vintage overcoat from my personal wardrobe. An item with a cut and content that can only be described as "defining". [The model on page 63 is wearing this coat].To add a touch of the contemporary, I introduced new pairings, including a flannel tracksuit with a jersey shirt and tie, worn under this beautifully designed and substantial overcoat.

What do you think makes a well dressed man?
A sense of precision, an easy manner, a controlled demeanour. A capacity to be remembered, and not just to make a good first impression.

The collection featured so many different shades of grey in different textures - what appeals to you about this colour?
I consider grey to be the masculine colour par excellence, metropolitan but strongly linked to nature. I always think of the mineral grey of slate and stone. I really love this dual identity.

There has been a trend on the Milan catwalks towards very practical and wearable clothes. Do you think men like their clothes to be practical and to be able to wear them season after season and mix previous season clothes with new ones?
I have always worked towards this concept of the male wardrobe: comfortable clothes that are timeless, clothes that can be mixed with items from previous seasons, to achieve a result that is always attractive and expresses the personality of the individual. This is quite a challenge, as it involves style rather than fashion. Style is what endures and creates a lasting impression.

There were some beautiful bags in this men's collection - how important are accessories becoming to the menswear business?
They are establishing themselves as indispensable accessories for the modern man, emphasising the appeal of superior detailing, good craftsmanship and value. Apart from the shoes and belts, now in flannel - this winter's preferred fabric - there is also a new approach to the bag, very masculine and practical.

Has fashion and luxury changed post-recession? Are customers looking more for value for money, for example?
Certainly, there has been a sea-change, a reassessment that demands real value. Nowadays people only want to buy something if it is worth the price and carries the reassurance of a certified provenance and name.

Are you excited about the opening of the Milan hotel and how will it differ to the Dubai one?
It will be different because the two cities and the context are both different. Guests will find an equally warm welcome and sophisticated atmosphere. The spaces will be generous because, in my view, you can't have beauty without comfort. Colours and textures will reference the natural world, to restore a mood of relaxation.

Are hotels a passion of yours? And, if so, what do you look for in a hotel when you stay somewhere?
My interest in the world of hotels originates in personal experience, even though conceptually I followed
a reverse path. I have endeavoured to introduce a new concept that seems to me to have been missing from many hotels where I have happened to stay. I consider that every hotel should offer a sophisticated and discreet ambience, where elegant design and beauty coexist with comfort. It should be perfectly attuned to its surrounding geographical and cultural context, always reminding the traveller of the actual location.

Is a great hotel determined by the service, the decor, the location; or is it a combination of these things?
I maintain that a fine hotel must be a haven where people can escape from the stress and tension of their professional lives. A place that invites guests to relax and recharge in the facilities available, such as restaurants and spas. Of course, the standard of service is critical and it is vital to devote maximum care and attention
to every single individual. 

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/wish/style--substance--/news-story/83d7cc42d1161013ab7c3e8ff36b5e22