The man credited with inventing the powersuit did not show a single pair of trousers for Fall 2006. This season Armani is all about the skirts – pencil, mermaid, ruched, bias cut and flared. Indeed, the designer renowned for his masculine touch appears to be exploring sensual territories of haute chic.

Despite an ambitious bid to explore new possibilities, Armani’s trademark sculpted jackets in abbreviated versions and red carpet stunners encrusted with plenty of sparkle are intact. Then, there are the 80s inspired touches, in the form of polka dots, stripes, drapes, burstiers and vivid colors, but ultimately the silhouette and sensibility of the new collection harks back to 40s Hollywood glamour. The sumptuous fur stoles and boleros, draped over delicate shoulders throughout the show, come across as a luxurious homage to big screen legends like Ingrid Bergman and Joan Crawford. Nonetheless, harping on the past without contemporary strokes is not like Armani. While reinterpreting retro looks, the Italian mestro always keeps in mind his loyal clientele, namely independent modern women, with a penchant for understated glamour. And year after year he gives them exactly what they want.

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