Giorgio Armani Airs His Lighter Side for Spring

Regard it as Giorgio Armani’s unbearable-lightness-of-being phase. Slighting the glam slam by his peers, he’s opted for a fluid, airy, spring and summer collection, which previewed last week at his Emporio Armani signature boutique in South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa.

Guests nibbled on appetizers from the adjoining Armani Express restaurant while enjoying informal modeling. Clothes were also displayed on dress forms and numbered like pieces in an art exhibit.

True to form, the Italian designer enlisted his usual drab palette, with a few surprises of the palest pink, pinkish peach and champagne. Clothes have been cut from the lightest textured fabrics: Jacquard, Georgette, cotton crepe and linen viscose blends. These loosely fit, yet body-conscious silhouettes are liberating for him and her.

Men will find the Armani classics revel in very fitted knits (time to work those pecs) and A-line trousers that slim upward into a wraparound front.

Women will notice the accentuation of bust and legs: generously revealing decolletage, corsets with mini cups and bra cuts on otherwise quiet jackets. Most everything is shown with tiny, playful skirts and fishnets for maximum leg exposure. Even pants are shaped cigarette slim.

As spokeswoman Allison Speer quipped, the collection is “ideal for the Southern California market.” She’s right. Funny that his collection was hashed out long before Armani visited the Southland in December for the Fire and Ice Ball.