Emporio Armani is 40-years-old and the brand is celebrating the only way it knows how: in monumental style. The show was just one part of the festivities, there are vast Emporio billboards all over Milan, a special magazine, edited by Mr Armani’s sister, that celebrates the Emporio world and there’s also an exhibition marking 40 years of EA.

On display are choice pieces from the archive and what’s striking is how timeless it all feels. The show itself encapsulated that transcendent Armani spirit. First, there was a highlights reel showing 40 years of EA fashion moments. Then the models walked against a huge, widescreen cinematic backdrop, in the latest iterations of Armani’s signature nonchalant elegance. First out was the denim that the brand is built on (in 1981, sensing that it would open his brand up to a huge global fan base, Armani was a pioneer or designer denim). There was plenty of his soft unstructured tailoring, sheer layers and sporty attitude – everything had the lightness of touch that marks the brand.

Of course, there were sections devoted to his signature navy and griege – the tasteful non-colour that Armani champions – but there were also watercolour prints for women, palm prints for men and vivid tropical greens and blues for both. The show ended with glistening sequin vests and mini-skirts. Pared but down impactful, it was very Armani.

armani.com