For the last 50 years the fashion show has looked, in essence, the same. Raised runway; flashing lights; leggy models; an impeccably dressed front row. But in 2020, with the traditional, time-tested format deemed unviable, creative sparks are flying.
Take Emporio Armani, who released an intriguing eight-minute film for spring/summer 2021. Set against Armani’s architectural Milanese headquarters, it stars a cast of bright young things – actors Alice Pagani, artist Sita Abellan, and dancers Germain Louvet and Les Twins – gliding, no striding, frenetically around an imaginary, futuristic city.
The clothes are chic and tonal – a mash-up of ivory, anthracite, nude, taupe and dove, and made to facilitate free-flowing movement. There are soft silks; organza layers; draped, wrapped and knotted silhouettes; and liquid-like textures that shine on the screen.
Meanwhile, a soundtrack by French sound artist Frederic Sanchez becomes increasingly frantic as a giant aqua orb descends on Armani HQ. The well-dressed urbanites look on knowingly. Then suddenly, cut to the credits.
We’re sensing a sartorial sequel come autumn.
Watch Emporio Armani’s short film here.
![Emporio Armani spring/summer 2021.](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/75241/00001-emporio-armani-rtw-spring-21-scaled.jpg)
![Emporio Armani spring/summer 2021.](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/75242/00004-emporio-armani-rtw-spring-21-scaled.jpg)
![Emporio Armani spring/summer 2021.](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/75243/00013-emporio-armani-rtw-spring-21-scaled.jpg)
![Emporio Armani spring/summer 2021.](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/75244/00014-emporio-armani-rtw-spring-21-scaled.jpg)
![Emporio Armani spring/summer 2021.](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/75245/00034-emporio-armani-rtw-spring-21-scaled.jpg)
![Emporio Armani spring/summer 2021.](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/75246/00044-emporio-armani-rtw-spring-21-scaled.jpg)
![Emporio Armani spring/summer 2021.](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/75247/00049-emporio-armani-rtw-spring-21-scaled.jpg)
![Emporio Armani spring/summer 2021.](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/75248/00057-emporio-armani-rtw-spring-21-scaled.jpg)
![Emporio Armani spring/summer 2021.](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/75249/00066-emporio-armani-rtw-spring-21-scaled.jpg)
![Emporio Armani spring/summer 2021.](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/75250/00069-emporio-armani-rtw-spring-21-scaled.jpg)
![Emporio Armani spring/summer 2021.](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/75251/00071-emporio-armani-rtw-spring-21-scaled.jpg)