MILAN — Giorgio Armani will kick off Milan Fashion Week, tentatively showing on Feb. 19.
Mario Boselli, head of the Italian Chamber of Fashion, praised Armani for his decision, considering it a pivotal step helping to convince international editors and retailers to stay for the entire week. “We’ve never had a Giorgio Armani show open the week on a Sunday,” said Boselli. “Mr. Armani is a major entrepreneur and designer, who wants to do something important for the Italian fashion system.”
An Armani spokesman said the designer “enjoys showing at the beginning of the week. We have the advantage to meet buyers and press afterwards, and set up important appointments for the whole week, especially now that our accessories business is growing.”
The spokesman noted the company has often opened the week with Emporio Armani.
As reported, Milan Fashion Week is going back to a longer schedule, after a five-day week last September was deemed too taxing by buyers and editors. Next spring, the shows will run from Feb. 18 to 26. Boselli said he is hoping a big-league designer will close the week, either on the evening of Feb. 25 or the morning of Feb. 26.