Giorgio Armani looked to reposition red for S/S 16. A colour loaded with more semiotic baggage than most, it is often over-associated with power and sensuality. The first exits saw a blanket jacket and a sculptural wired hat mimic the flowers that rose out of a techno-rouge lily pond on the runway. A more deft sensitivity to the colour arrived via gentler shades - in the guise of stunning sun bleached trousers and dégradé beach house dresses. Ribbons of dip-dyed fabric were worn as an open tunic, together with tonal shorts – and lots of sparkle. Wood cut prints added a cute retro vibe to long line dresses, whilst deep red chiffon layered under navy chiffon pants tapped into Armani's design signature of layering different coloured chiffons. A homespun style quilted cape tugged at the heartstrings, and there were lots of claps for crystal-embellished jackets.
It's the jackets that are the spine of the Armani wardrobe, and these were the pieces where Armani will command its highest price points. A bolero-esque sequin red blouse finally saw red go to an unapologetically glamourous place. It actually looked great.